Thrift Stores in Stirling, Scotland

“Vintage shops can be a bit scary, a bit like you shouldn't really touch it if you don't want it. Unlike a vintage fair, a vintage shop can make you feel like rummaging is sort of gauche. And if you have to ask how much it is... Not Strathcarron. Infused with that lovely, slightly musty smell that is bound to accompany a complete rack of fur coats in excellent condition, it feels in some ways more like a charity shop. Funny that... Strathcarron is a hospice organisation and this vintage shop is in aid of the charity, stocking second-hand items and some cannily upcycled stuff too. The quality - and value - of merchandise in here really is quite something. Perfect furs come in at around £120, a beautiful white woollen beret for £7.50, a tray full of brooches and baubles for round about a fiver each... we also spied a snazzy 80s twin-set (complete with, of course, shoulder pads), an utterly terrifying marionette and lots and lots of beautiful china and tea sets. I ended up buying a couple of exquisite brooches as Christmas gifts for my goddaughters, and a gorgeous two-tier cake stand with flowers and gilt edging for just £12 for one of my best friends in Yorkshire. (Note to self: mustn't share this review on Facebook like I normally do... way to kill the surprise...) There were also some cake stands made by a local crafter using pretty plates separated by an upturned champagne flute; a really smart idea. The proprietor is very cheerful and friendly and didn't seem to mind that Nicola C and I were in there just chattering away and browsing aimlessly for quite some time. It's not a messy explosion of a shop - things are really quite tidily laid out - but it doesn't feel prim. There's no problem with picking something up and playing around with it, and no sense that you're obliged to buy. And it was open on a Sunday! Hurrah! Possibly just a Christmas season thing, but excellent nonetheless. Some things (a couple of coats I spotted, for example) wouldn't be out of place in any other charity shop, but there are nevertheless lots of items that are clearly what one would understand by "vintage" - such as an utterly drool-worthy pair of white button-up gloves in the window, and a pair of old ice skates in butter-soft white leather. And as for the range of lovely framed paintings and mezzotints near the counter - well, it's a wonder I managed to get away only spending £19.”

“There's several things I love in life; Yelp, gin, my hamster Dwight, a juicy burger...And, of course, I love myself a bargain. From my routine search of the charity shops in town, this one has proved to be my most trusty source for second-hand delights. Cue 'OMG, where did you get that from?' and a disbelieving 'Really?!' when you confess. With impeccable colour co-ordination and stock organisation, this store is a delight to browse. It's very clear where everything is which makes working your way through the stock an easy task. Go for it, you thrifty thing! I've noticed, from my last few visits, that they've had an extensive range of dresses, lots of them long and flowing. With my grad ball approaching, you bet that I'd be snapping up one of their bargain offerings if I hadn't picked my dress already. The back of the store is certainly worth a browse too with an impressive range of gift sets and bric a brac and it's usually always in great condition. I got myself a Jaeger (!!!) skirt for £9.95 today. It's tweed; grey with flashes of pink, and fits like a glove. No one has to know. But if they ask, I'm sure as hell going to tell them; Cancer Research is the place to go for second-hand shopping in Stirling.”

“Great wee shop ... lots of items, and supporting great charity ... always found staff to be polite, pleasant and friendly ... never seen a frown in the place & I've been supporting them for years :)”

“I love this shop! Always make a point of visiting for a browse when in Stirling. The books are organised nicely into all the different categories, and there’s vinyl and gifts also. I find the prices not too bad, considering you are effectively donating to charity and getting something for yourself also!”

“FOUND MY WEDDING DRESS. My wedding is later this year and I was driving by this charity shop and saw a beautiful display with wedding dresses. RUSHED IN, tried the dress on and I immediately burst out in tears as it was the one! The amazing staff (I am so sorry I don't remember your names I was so teary eyed and happy) made it feel so special and it was a lovely moment to share with my sister in law and nana in law. Thank you so much such great finds in there and lovely and such supportive kind staff!! THANK YOU AGAIN!”

“A huge charity shop with one half dedicated to clothes and the other half books and DVDs. They have new DVDs every time I'm in and they're the cheapest in town, at £1. The books are pretty good too, I recently managed to get some Jamie Oliver cookbooks really cheap! The china section is always well stocked with good variety. - I recently spotted a fondue set in great condition! Although, the clothes section isn't as good as other charity shops in town and I've never really been taken by anything they have on offer in that side of the shop. Saying that, I love popping in since it's just opposite my flat and is one of the best and most reasonably priced charity shops about. My favourite purchase has been a 17 foot rug for only £10 which fits snugly in my hallway!”

“I visited here yesterday for the first time from Hardgate. The gentleman had excellent customer service skills and recommended a coffee shop accross the way.Thank you ?????????????????????”