You’d be amazed at the vast array of wonderful goodies you could have bought at Sunderland charity shops over the years.
A pink guitar, rude monk, bow ties and a cuddly crocodile are just the start.
We gathered up a selection of Sunderland Echo photo memories from 2004 to 2023 taking in shops across the city.
If you wanted a one-armed doll, a flamenco dress, flip flops or paintings, chances are you could have got it on Wearside.
Have a look at our collection and then get in touch with memories of your best and most unusual buys in one of the city’s charity shops.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) store, in Blandford Street, is one of around 150 shops nationwide that will be closing within the next two years.
Tell us about your best charity store buys. Email [email protected] to tell us more.
5. Flip flops at the British Heart Foundation in Blandford Street
Judith Church, manager of the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Blandford Street, was happy to show the Sunderland Echo around in 2012. The great items for sale included books, clothes and flip flops. | se
6. Clocks and cutlery at the Society for the Blind shop
Rob Albert was pictured in the new Sunderland Society for the Blind charity shop, in Waterloo Place, in 2014 - and so were some of the items for sale including toys, clocks and cutlery. | se
7. Ties and tops at the YWCA
Inside the YWCA shop 20 years ago where Sheila Bedford was receiving a Volunteer of the Year Award from regional manager Norma Yarker. | se
8. Paintings at St Benedict's Hospice shop on Sea Road
There was a fine choice of paintings for sale at the new St Benedict's Hospice Charity Shop in 2014. Take That tribute band, Re-Take That, were causing a bit of a stir on Sea Road when they opened the premises. | se