Second Chance - London

Murat B.

The prices they are charging for a charity shop are simply extortionate. You’d get a lot more customers, and a lot more donations, if you didn’t overcharge on a lot of your items. Another thing, it’s a charity shop. You haggle in charity shops to get a good deal - that’s why you’re there in the first place. These guys just don’t budge, and get very rude very quickly. Disappointed as it used to be half decent.

sharon S.

My favourite charity shop! I particularly like the fact that all donations are indeed given a "second chance" unlike some shops which only want new items. Lots of interesting things for sale here, and in my experience, I've always found the staff to be polite and friendly.

Farreena J. B.

After being a long standing customer for years, I went in today and saw two jumpers I liked (it's getting chilly) and one was priced at £7 and one priced at £6. I asked a member of staff (with glasses, bald on top and long hair behind) if he could do £10 for both, as I only had £10 on me. I do not work at the moment as I have cancer and find pleasure typically visiting this charity shop and strolling around. I have never asked for a discount and have always been polite to staff, I was absolutely appauled to have both jumpers shoved in my face by this gentleman. A simple no would have sufficed. When I then asked for a bag, both items were shoved in the bag with absolutely no care at all for the items and not a word said to me. Appalling experience and you CANNOT treat people like this.

Anthony O.

After shopping and donating here for over ten years, Second Chance has had its last chance.

I saw an item in the window and called and asked if they could hold it, just for a day. They wouldn't and didn't and of course it went.

The explanation was that it's their rule not to hold stuff because sometimes people might not come back for it... which is a somewhat unpleasant assumption. Which also makes you wonder about how they actually comport themselves as a charity.

So well done, Second Chance. You've just lost a customer and a source of donations (and from reading the reviews, not for the first time).

Perhaps a long, hard think on the actual meaning of the word 'charity' wouldn't go amiss.

Edit following response from the shop: Yes, you had people enquiring about the item and you sold it. Well done. But in prioritising a quick buck over customer loyalty, you've lost a source of donations, a source of income and – most important – credibility.

The message here would seem to be that your customers and benefactors have no value aside from the money they bring you. That's the sort of approach you expect from an entity like Ticketmaster, not a charity shop.

This is the only time I've ever experienced this – the other charity shops in the area (Shelter, Air Ambulance etc.) have had no problems with helping items and displaying a degree of empathy. And they're the ones who'll be getting my donations in future.

I'll pass on the offer to share my thoughts. To take a page out of your own playbook, I don't seen what's in it for me.

Joanna

Quirky little charity shop that's worth a browse. Relaxed. Got some good belts here and a funky sweater. Quality wise there's better, but if you are in the area, there could be some casual bargains here.

Wasn't crowded on a Monday morning.

Lord L.

Its a shame. This charity shop used to be the best in the area but its really gone down hill. Lots of over priced junk in the windows. More highly priced things around the shop. I understand its for charity but people will stop buying from charity shops if they start getting silly with high prices especially if its junky sort of stuff. There not very grateful when they get donations. They say "just leave it over there" in a ungrateful way and don't bother to say thank you.

Scott B.

They guy behind the till with long hair is so rude. I love this shop, but he really needs to check his attitude. I understand that he was upset because I caught him lying about the price of something. But they is no excuse for the way he spoke to me after I caught him.

Sabilon B.

This is the best charity shop in the area, Archway. I take all my donations there, as I know they don't just throw small things away but go to the trouble to sort and sell them. It's so well run, organised, friendly, smells good, has lots of great stuff, and their window dresser is so creative. I can't praise and recommend this shop more, as someone who takes in donations and as a customer.