We need to examine our attitude to charity shop donations

A well-heeled colleague once admired the Max Mara jacket I wore to work. Was it, she asked, from the latest collection? ‘No,’ I said. ‘Oxfam.’ She blurted out that she donated her casts-off to Oxfam. ‘Next time, cut out the middleman and give them to me,’ I replied.

Charity shops help me to afford the quality clothes I lust after, especially Italian jackets. Once, in a gluttonous afternoon orgy, I ‘did’ 11 shops in the Stockbridge district of Edinburgh. I’d have done 12, but one was closed. They included a British Red Cross store dedicated to wedding attire – well, at least the brides’ dresses have only been used once, probably.

Buying second-hand has become acceptable, even commendable. Treasure hunters assuage pangs of guilt about snatching VAT-free bargains from under the noses of needier customers. After all, their spending goes to charity and they are doing their bit for sustainability.

Charity stores also give volunteers purpose and the chance to develop job skills, and even offer a little paid employment.