You don’t need us to tell you; the world is drowning in stuff. We’re snaffling up the planet’s resources faster than they can be replenished, and people and eco-systems are carrying the cost.
Happily, more and more people are discovering the joy of giving pre-loved items a new home. There’s so much to love about second-hand shopping, from finding durable quality items at a bargain price, to owning items with a unique history all of their own.
To help spread the joy of second-hand, we’ve put together – in no particular order – ten amazing places in Cardiff to find pre-loved gems. From charity shops and vintage spots to upcycling hubs and community favourites, these are all places that our Railway Gardens community love!
Did we miss your favourite? Get in touch and tell us about it!
The Thrift Cardiff, Cathays
If you’re into a proper treasure hunt, The Thrift in Cathays is one to know about (and maybe not shout too loudly about). Tucked away as a bit of a ‘secret’ spot while they build what they call ‘the ultimate place to thrift’, it’s a warehouse packed full of completely random pre loved pieces, exactly the kind of place where you never know what you’ll find, but you’re pretty much guaranteed to leave with something.
Everything is sold by weight at £12.50 per kilo, which makes it a fun and affordable way to shop more sustainably. Even better, you can bring in your own old clothes and get £1 credit to spend in their kilo sale keeping clothes in use for longer.
And they’re not just talking the talk. Over the past year, The Thrift says they’ve helped re-home over 20 tonnes of clothing, keeping it out of landfill. That’s a pretty incredible impact, especially when you consider how hard even larger retailers find it to hit those kinds of numbers.
It’s definitely worth checking out their website before you visit as there’s absolutely loads of info on there, from browsing some in store pieces to how they organise their collections (including plus size ranges, brands, and gendered sections). It’s a small touch, but it makes them feel a lot different from your usual kilo sale.
If you fancy checking it out, you’ll have to do a tiny bit of exploring. It’s intentionally a little under the radar but they’re open Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00pm – 6:00pm at the back of Fitzroy Street in Cathays. Definitely one for a wander in and see what you can find – kind of afternoon.
Cardiff Indoor Flea Market, Tremorfa
Where to even start with this one. If you’ve never been, it’s hard to explain just how big and slightly maze-like it is. Rooms seem to keep appearing as you wander through, and it very quickly turns into a bit of a day out.
This place is packed with around 80 independent stalls, many of them antique-focused, selling everything from musical instruments and clothes to homeware, artwork, and all sorts of random bits. There’s also a nice mix of upcycled and repurposed items, which gives it that ‘you didn’t know you needed it until now’ feeling.
In one of the large warehouse rooms towards the back of the market they have a fill a crate offer for £15, which is a bit of a gem in itself, especially when you realise this includes things like records, artwork, and all sorts of bric a brac.
If you fancy a visit, they’re open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, over on Clydesmuir Road in Tremorfa. And honestly, the first time you go, you’ll probably be a bit surprised this gem is tucked away there.
Sadly, as we were putting together this blog, we saw the news that the Flea Market is threatened with closure as a developer wants to build affordable housing on the site. As the future of the market hangs in the balance while they await the outcome of a consultation, please do show them your support and make time for a visit. Here’s Laurie and Dave from the Market talking about what it means to them and to the Cardiff community.
Ethical Boutique, St. David’s Shopping Centre
If you’re after something a bit more curated but still very much pre-loved, Ethical Boutique has got to be on your list to visit!
The SAFE Foundation who run the Boutique do incredible work, both locally and around the world, supporting people from marginalised communities through training, creative projects, and employment opportunities. Their whole approach is built around conscious consumerism and avluing resources.
Inside the shop you’ll find a mix of vintage clothing, upcycled pieces, homeware and donations – all thoughtfully selected and a really nice alternative to typical charity shop finds. They also really champion the idea of keeping clothes in use for longer, encouraging swapping and trading pre-loved items, and mending what’s broken rather than buying new.
The space itself is alsoa treat; it’s colourful, creative and has a relaxed feel with a small integrated cafe as part of their Conscious Coffee project. They’ve made it a really nice space to slow down for a bit, especially if you need a breather from the rush of town.
If you fancy popping by, they’re based in St David’s Shopping Centre (near Cafe Nero and M&S Food hall) open Monday to Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm, and Sunday 11:00-4:30pm.
Pedal Power, Pontcanna
We talked about this a little in our Car-free Cardiff post, but if you missed it then all you need to know is that Pedal power is a pre-loved gem in Cardiff that’s all about making cycling accessible for everyone. Their mission is to remove barriers, especially for people with health conditions and disabilities, and to make cycling adaptable to all kinds of abilities and needs.
At their Bute Park space, you’ll find a wide range of used and refurbished bikes for sale, with all the proceeds supporting the charity’s initiatives – from community events to their popular community cafe, which offers a fully vegan and vegetarian menu.
Pedal power also offers a variety of bike repairs services, but they’re very popular now and in high demand so it’s best to get in touch first at workshop@cardiffpedalpower.org.uk with your request. Check out their list of services here.
The team are super helpful so don’t hesitate to call them on 02920 390713 if you have any questions. And to visit in person, they have provided a what3words for their main site in Bute Park (rich.lost.caked). You’ll know you’re pretty much there if you can see the camping and caravan site nearby. Opening times a the time of writing are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm, with last hire at 4pm.
Recreate, Ely
If you’ve never been to Recreate then you are in for a HUGE treat! It’s a unique kind of pre-loved setup – a scrapstore. It takes in pretty much anything and everything that might otherwise have been thrown away by Cardiff business and organisations, and offers it all up in as a magical treasure trove of posibility.
Sometimes we go to Re-Create knowing exactly what we need. It has huge bins of fabric and netting, takeaway tubs, and all kinds of goodies for crafts and junk modelling. For years it’s had a steady supply of wooden discs, scrap (we’re told) from making speakers, and perfect for signs for our community garden. There’s even a huge stash of half used but perfectly good paint cans.
Other times we’re happy to be surprised – and wow can Re-Create surprise you! Halloween costumes and mannequins, candle holders, hessian sacks, sticky backed plastic and rolls of carpet – you never know what you’ll find. Hannah managed to put together most of the decorations for her wedding from a single visit.
To shop at Re-Create you need to be a member but membership is free when you sign up then you simply pay a £1 on each shop for to keep your membership going. As a non-profit, Re-Create uses this money to help keep things goes as well as providing amazing play activities around the city. When you go in you can grab a trolley. Some items are labelled with a price (fill a bucket with inner tubes for £5 for example), other things will get eyeballed at the till and you’ll be given a (very reasonable) price.
So whether you run a craft group, need stuff to keep the kids occupied during the holidays, or you planning a party, get down to Ely and check it out.
Please note: Re-Create is closed for essential maintenance until May 21st.
Cancer Research, NuLife Furniture, and City Hospice Superstore - all on on near Newport Road
If you’re near Newport Road then you’ve got three fab pre-loved options.
The Cancer Research Cardiff superstore on Newport Road is a dream if you like a more organised charity shop browse. Set up in a large warehouse-style unit in City Link Retail Park, everything is clearly laid out – making it feel really easy and relaxed to explore.
Inside, you’ll find sections for just about everything: clothing, homeware, furniture (sofas, beds, dining tables and more, depending on what’s been donated), plus books, DVD’s CD’s accessories, bric a brac and small electrics.
One of the biggest standouts is the clothing section, where you can often find really great pieces for as little as £3. They also have a dedicated community space, so definitely get in touch for more info if this sparks any interest – 029 2045 4476
Just across the road on Dominion Way is the Nu Life Furniture showroom, open Monday – Friday, 10am – 3pm, and full of good quality furniture, white goods, and homewares at very affordable prices.
About a ten minute walk away up Colchester Avenue you’ll also find the City Hospice store, a huge and well organised collection of clothes, furniture, home items, books and more.
The Honeycomb Toy Library, Splott and Grangetown
Ok, this one isn’t a shop, it’s a borrowing service, but it’s too lush not to include.
If you have a kid in your life you’ll know that it’s easy for your house to quick fill up with toys until every box, drawer, and cupboard is overflowing. We want our little ones to have something exciting to play with but the last thing we want is to buy another toy! This is here the Honeycomb Toy Library comes in. Head along to either of the weekly stay and play sessions to browse the toys (the selection is amazing) and try them out, then borrow something for a whole month for just £1! At the end of the month bring it back and take home something new.
You’ll find the Toy Library at…
Railway Gardens, Splott, 12pm – 2pm every Tuesday
Grange Pavilion, Grangetown, every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm
SCV @ 23, Splott
Our friends at Splott Community Volunteers have a charity shop! Pop into SCV @ 23 on Splott Road for a regularly refreshed stock of clothing, toys, books and all round bargains galore!
Every penny goes back into supporting the work of Splott Community Volunteers, making sure local people can access good food and support on their doorstep.
