Grand Central shopping centre in Birmingham has long awaited a revitalisation, especially since the departure of John Lewis left parts of the area noticeably quiet. Despite attractions like the Kitty Cafe and nearby facilities, much of the stretch around the former Karen’s Diner felt a little underwhelming.
Now, a fresh burst of colour and excitement has arrived atop the train station in the form of a new Reloved Brum charity shop, operated by Birmingham Hospice. Known for its carefully curated second-hand items and award-winning branch in Harborne, this new city-centre outlet is certainly one to watch.
Reloved Brum boutiques stand apart from typical charity shops by presenting their merchandise thoughtfully and avoiding a cluttered experience. This intentional display inspires a sense of discovery and delight.
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Having enjoyed remarkable finds at the Harborne branch-including a brand-new £600 designer handbag bought for just £25-I was eager to explore the new Grand Central location and continue my streak of great bargains.
Though the shop’s footprint is modest, the staff have smartly maximised the area, showcasing special items in display cabinets, dressing mannequins with care, and organising clothing rails in a striking rainbow spectrum. What sets Reloved Brum apart is their unique approach of grouping items by style vibes rather than just by category, allowing shoppers to easily find pieces that match their aesthetic.
Browsing through the clothes, I gravitated towards my favourite sections: shoes, handbags, and jewellery. I was particularly taken by a pair of red and beige Valentino Rockstud cage heels, known for their elegant studded design. While such shoes retail around £910, these were priced at just £180.
Nearby, I spotted men’s Gucci loafers listed at only £75, a significant reduction from the typical £750 price tag. The shop also offers a range of footwear including brands like Next and some Irregular Choice shoes priced at £22, which collectors might eagerly seek.
Imagining a future where Birmingham’s charities could be afforded larger city-centre premises to showcase their items and generate support is inspiring. Considering Birmingham Hospice provides bereavement support sessions costing approximately £59 and cares for an average of 670 people daily, the importance of community backing is clear.
When you’re next clearing out your wardrobe, think about donating your items to charity shops like Reloved Brum instead of selling online. And when you visit Grand Central, be sure to pay a visit upstairs to discover your next treasured bargain while supporting a wonderful cause.