Second Hand September: best second-hand shops in the major UK cities

Second Hand September is here, a month-long campaign that encourages you to ditch fast fashion and discover the joy of second-hand.

It’s not just about avoiding new clothes, it’s about rethinking how and where you shop, finding unique pieces, saving money and reducing your environmental footprint.

Whether you're in search of statement vintage fashion, retro homeware, or timeless furniture, there’s a second-hand treasure waiting round the corner.

To help you get started, here’s some of the best second-hand shops across the biggest cities in the UK and Ireland.

Manchester

Emmaus South Manchester Emporium

At Emmaus South Manchester Emporium in Wythenshawe, you’ll walk into a huge space filled with quality second-hand furniture, homeware, vintage clothing, textiles, books and even toys.

The team behind Emmaus is working to create a residential community for people who have experienced homelessness. Everything you spend supports that mission.

There’s even a café where you can relax with a drink and a slice of cake after browsing. They also run workshops and events to help people learn how to reuse, repair, and make their own bespoke products.

If you're after something unique, check out their upcycled furniture and handmade items created from donated materials.

Afflecks

Manchester’s iconic Afflecks is an alternative fashion and lifestyle haven right in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Spread across multiple floors, it’s a maze of independent traders and vintage sellers.

On the second floor, you’ll find the perfect place to trade in your lightly worn funky pieces for store credit, encouraging a circular approach to fashion. Expect to find everything from 90s rave wear to handmade jewellery and rare vintage vinyl.

Retro Rehab

Over on Oldham Street, Retro Rehab a beautifully curated vintage boutique offering handpicked items with a real local feel. Most pieces are sourced from around the North West. The team is passionate about sustainable fashion and they’re happy to help you style an outfit.

Liverpool

COW Liverpool

On Bold Street, COW Liverpool  is packed with one of a kind gems. Its sustainable fashion collection includes handpicked designer and branded pieces for affordable prices.

Penny Lane Emporium

Penny Lane Emporium on Smithdown Road is a collection of independent units, each offering a mix of upcycled furniture, antiques, retro homeware, preloved designer fashion, artwork and vinyl. It's the kind of place where you could spend an afternoon treasure-hunting, with every corner offering something different.

The emporium supports local artists and craftspeople, so you’re also backing small businesses every time you buy.

Birmingham

The ReUsers

Just outside the city in Sutton Coldfield, The ReUsers is a huge second-hand department store with a social mission. It’s part of a project that provides training and employment to people who face barriers to getting into work.

The store itself is split into sections, including clothes, bikes, sports gear, kitchenware, furniture, electricals, antiques and even garden tools. They also operate an eBay shop and have a drive-through donation drop-off.

Everything you see has been donated, cleaned, tested and put back on sale for a fair price.

Birmingham City Mission

Birmingham City Mission operates several second-hand shops across the city, all supporting their wider charitable work helping the homeless and people struggling to make ends meet.

You’ll find quality used furniture, clothing and household items, which are perfect if you’re furnishing a home or just looking for affordable essentials.

Leeds

Emmaus Leeds

Emmaus Leeds has built a reputation for offering excellent quality second-hand furniture and homeware while supporting people affected by homelessness. Their Emmaus Secondhand Superstore on St Mary's Street is the largest Emmaus shop in the city and it’s filled with refurbished white goods, beds, wardrobes, sofas, vintage clothes and books.

There’s even an online store if you want to browse from home. The prices are always affordable and every item has been checked and cleaned before going on sale.

Revive The Reuse Shop

Revive The Reuse Shop operates at three locations across West Yorkshire and works directly with the local council to intercept reusable goods before they go to landfill. They stock everything from books and homewares to curtains, cushions, electronics and furniture. All items are donated, tested and sold for less than you'd expect.

Shopping here directly reduces waste and helps fund further reuse and recycling initiatives.

Newcastle

Flea Circus

The Flea Circus in Newcastle’s Ouseburn district is a one-of-a-kind department store showcasing the work of local creatives, vintage dealers and independent sellers. It isn’t a single shop but a collaborative space filled with pre-loved fashion, vintage lighting, retro furniture, books, comics, accessories and handmade craft, you’ll never quite know what you’ll find.

If you’re into supporting local businesses and discovering truly original items, the Flea Circus should be top of your list.

Kingston Park Warehouse

Kingston Park Warehouse is run by St Oswald’s Hospice and offers everything from high-quality donated furniture to home accessories and books. Larger items like sofas and dining tables are available at reasonable prices and there’s a great range of smaller household bits and bobs, like table lamps, art and kitchenware. Everything sold supports the hospice’s work with people living with life-limiting conditions.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Forrest Road Community Shop

Part of Shelter Scotland’s network of charity shops, Edinburgh Forrest Road Community Shop is right in the city centre and stocked with a large selection of second-hand clothes, books, games, electrical items and home accessories.

The shop is clearly laid out, so it’s easy to browse and find what you’re after. Shopping here supports Shelter’s work tackling housing insecurity and homelessness across Scotland.

Armstrongs Vintage

W. Armstrong & Son is a legendary name in Scottish vintage retail. With four locations across Edinburgh, including Grassmarket and Teviot Place, Armstrongs is known for its vast collection of vintage clothing, kiltwear, military uniforms, Harris Tweed and elegant accessories.

If you love rummaging through racks of quality vintage and styling your own look, Armstrongs is the place to be.

Glasgow

Mr Ben Retro Clothing

Founded in the 1990s, Mr Ben Retro Clothing is a vibrant store near Virginia Galleries in Glasgow that specialises in everything from vintage streetwear to retro dresses, 70s flares and military coats. They also offer fashion workshops, costume rentals for film and TV and even tea set hire.

The Glad Rags

Over in Shawlands, The Glad Rags is a not-for-profit shop run by the Glad Foundation, which funds community music workshops. The shop is stocked entirely with items donated by locals, and it’s especially popular with students and artists looking for standout pieces on a budget.

Dublin

Lucy’s Lounge

In Temple Bar, Lucy’s Lounge is a pink-hued, basement-level store packed with vintage clothing, upcycled accessories, quirky jewellery and fun home decor. The shop has something of a cult following thanks to its bold, theatrical style that’s filled with handmade corsets, retro coats, patchwork skirts and more. It’s also a peaceful little escape from the busy streets above.

Vincent's George's Street

Vincent's George's Street is one of over 230 St Vincent de Paul charity shops across Ireland. The branch is well stocked with everything from second-hand clothes and handbags to books, bric-a-brac and furniture. The prices are among some of the most reasonable in Dublin, and every cent you spend supports people living in poverty.

Belfast

Red Cross Vintage, Belfast

Red Cross Vintage on Botanic Avenue is a haven for high-quality vintage fashion, jewellery, designer brands and stylish home accessories. You might spot labels like Jaeger, Valentino or even Chanel, all tucked alongside 80s windbreakers, retro dresses and statement shoes.

Everything sold helps the British Red Cross support people in crisis in the UK and around the world.

London 

Boutique Charity Shop, Pimlico

Tucked away in the neighbourhood of Pimlico, the Boutique Charity Shop is a real hidden gem. You’ll find high-quality men’s and women’s fashion from both designer and popular high street brands, alongside art, books, homewares and vinyl records.

This boutique charity has been supporting the work of Terrence Higgins Trust for over two decades, an organisation doing vital work in HIV awareness, treatment, and prevention, as well as broader sexual health across the UK. So every purchase here goes toward a healthier, more inclusive future.

Lama’s Pyjamas, Bethnal Green

Over in Bethnal Green, just around the corner from the London Buddhist Centre, you’ll find Lama's Pyjamas. This shop has become a beloved part of the local community, offering racks of stylish vintage clothing, unique accessories, and second-hand treasures, all at prices that are affordable.

Every penny you spend supports the work of the London Buddhist Centre, from teaching meditation and yoga, to running retreats for carers, mindfulness programmes for depression, and community outreach in schools and beyond.

So, what are you waiting for, this Second Hand September, shop locally, buy vintage, swap, reuse, upcycle. Your wardrobe and your wallet will thank you, and so will the planet.