January 2012 by Isaac F.
If you're looking for a bargain in a charity shop where the staff have no idea as to the value of the items you're selling, this is not the shop for you. If, however, you're looking for great quality antiques and knick knacks at a fair price, accompanied by friendly service from knowledgeable staff, this is definitely the place to go. Situated at the far end of the High Street, near the ferry port, the Cowal Hospice Trust Charity Shop is a veritable treasure trove. From jewellery to clothes, furniture to ornaments, soft toys to board games, this shop has everything and while the prices can hardly be described as "rock bottom" they are invariably reasonable. I've bought a number of pieces of furniture from the shop, including a wingback chair that would have been at least £60 in Glasgow, but there was fairly priced at £25. I've bought jewellery for my wife, paintings, and a range of unusual items you're unlikely to find at any High Street store. It's like a fantastic flea market under one roof. Well, actually it's two roofs. The shop is divided in two with one side selling furniture and more expensive antiques, the other selling clothes, DVDs, jewellery and household items. It's a cash only business, but if you walk in there with just a tenner in your pocket you can leave with a bag filled with goodies and be sure that your money has been well spent. I'd just like to add a quick note about Morag, who I believe manages the shop. Even when she's having a bad day she's there ready to offer a friendly greeting and a smile, ensuring customers have a pleasurable shopping experience regardless of how much they buy. She's also a fairly unique entity in charity shops. She doesn't pretend to know exactly the right price for everything (though her instincts are very good), and if you feel something is overpriced she can always be convinced to revisit that price - not that you'd really have much cause to haggle in this brilliant shop.
