Shoppers target charity bargains

Charity shops in the Midlands are facing a shortfall of stock as growing numbers of shoppers look for bargains to cope with the credit crunch.

Store bosses across the area are appealing for more donations to cope with the increasing demand. Some Black Country charity shops have been enjoying record sales, as people continue to tighten their belts to cope with the economic crisis, but are now struggling to keep up with the extra business.

In Dudley, staff are using an eye-catching window display to help boost donations. Three "naked" mannequins wearing signs saying "Dress Me" have been placed in the window of the Cancer Research UK store in Castle Street.

Manager Susan Guest said: "We thought this would be a good way as it was eye-catching and would get people talking."

At the PDSA shop in Ryemarket, Stourbridge, staff have seen the number of donations falling over the past four months.

Manager Maria Perry said: "We are struggling for donations as I think people are holding on to the clothes they have got."

The Sandwell Age Concern store, based in Wednesbury, has now put up posters in its window urging people to come forward, as the shop's shelves grow lighter.

Jean Bowker, assistant manager at the store in Union Street, said: "Our biggest problem at the moment is getting hold of stock as there is a shortage, especially for quality items."

Diane Martin, manager of Acorns Children's Hospice shop, also in Wednesbury, said the stock situation was "terrible"at the moment.

Betty Latham, manager of the Beacon Centre for the Blind Shop in Bilston High Street, said: "We're quite busy at the moment, people are buying more and I don't think people can afford to go out and buy new items.

"People are buying curtains, clothes, and shoes. They always say they can get a bargain at our shop," she added.

Sheila Gould, a volunteer at the Oxfam shop in Mount Row, Stafford, said: "We are getting less of the more expensive items, like silver and fine pottery.

"People are more conscious of saving money so there are less donations coming in generally."