Credit-crunch chic is a Keech money spinner

And to coincide with this auspicious milestone the hospice has launched its latest campaign, aptly entitled ‘From rags to riches.’

Customers have become adept at transforming charity shop clothes into credit-crunch chic as the current economic climate continues to bite.

Keech’s head of retail Philip Kojcinovic said: “The snobbery over buying clothes from a charity shop is diminishing. Lots more people are coming into our stores since the recession began and many are surprised by what they find here.

“We have lots of designer labels as well as good-quality items from Next and Principles.

“A new coat would normally cost around £50 to £200 but you can pick one up in our shops for about £15 or £20.”

He admitted there was a time when stock was just a “hotch potch of bric-a-brac, nylon and knitting patterns no-one bothered with.”

He added: “Charities took over shops abandoned by other retailers and were mainly frequented by elderly women and students.

“They weren’t particularly cool unless you wanted to browse the catalogue of mint condition 12in vinyl or fork out for a 1950s faux fur coat.

“But over the last few years, charity shops have grown significantly in popularity. The reason for our success? Everyone likes a bargain.”

> For more details visit www.keech.org.uk