I went Harborne charity shop hunting and hit the £600 jackpot in two minutes
A journalist in Harborne, Birmingham, discovered a high-end Aspinal of London bag at a local charity shop shortly after claiming that such treasures were no longer found due to internet pricing. The find highlights the potential for unexpected value in second-hand retail.
Why it matters
It serves as a lighthearted human-interest story about the unpredictability of thrift shopping and the persistence of 'hidden gems' in the retail market.
Comments What's On opinion Kirsty Bosley Features Writer 05:30, 15 Jul 2026 View 2 Images Me with my posh new bag (Image: Kirsty Bosley)
I was in the garden on Saturday afternoon, telling my friends about the £38,400 book that someone had dropped into a Harborne charity shop , when I said something that would transpire - not for the first time, I know - to be absolute nonsense.
"That's the problem these days," I'd said ( incorrectly ) reflecting on how staff had clocked the book was special before it was put on shelves for me to find for £1 ( I was blinded by jealousy ).
"Charity shops have the internet so they can find out what everything is worth - you never get a real treasure any more."
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