The pretty UK market town that's a 'charity shop capital' where locals 'love a bargain'

A pretty market town has been named Scotland's charity shop capital and residents have said it's proof that the community helps each other out. Nestled along the banks of the River Nith, Dumfries is a historic town in southwest Scotland.

Nicknamed the Queen of the South, the charming little town has a small high street full of independent stores, cafés and, of course, charity shops. With a population of just over 33,000, it has a remarkably high concentration of second-hand and vintage stores relative to its population size. According to a study carried out earlier this year by Moneyboat, the town ranked second overall in the UK for charity shop density, with only Ballymena in Northern Ireland surpassing it.

Dumfries boasts a Salvation Army Donation Centre, a British Heart Foundation clearance shop on High Street and a British Heart Foundation home store in the nearby shopping centre, a Salvation Army store, a Cancer Research UK store, a Shelter charity shop, a Marie Curie charity shop, an Oxfam Books & Music store and a DGMA Charity Department Store.

Away from the town centre, there are also Welfare Rights Charity Shop on Lincluden Road and Shax for furniture near Dumfries Campus.

In the town, residents have seen the news as proof that they help the environment and their community.

Colin Callander-Bone, chief of SHAX charity shop, told The Express: "The survey is more a reflection of the area's affluence as well as its desire to help each other out. The second-hand scene is a clear indication that Dumfries wants to re-cycle more and is actively helping others as well as the environment to help meet the need for climate change.

"I don't think calling it a 'charity shop capital' is justified, but it is for the reason that the town is more about ensuring we all help the environment. We help our fellow neighbours, and we all love a bargain, as the saying goes, 'One person's rubbish is another person's gold'.

"We also have to consider that this region's major towns are major urban deprivation areas according to SMID 2020. As most of the population for this region live in urban towns and just under a third of the population for the region live in Dumfries, these combinations ensure that people get value for money is paramount for everyone living here."

Mr Bone has been running the charity for almost a year, and the experience for him has been fulfilling so far.

He said: "I work to ensure people have the furniture that they need for their lives. We are there to ensure that they have somewhere to sit, somewhere to sleep, a plate to eat off, a cup to drink out of, a towel to dry themselves, sanitary products to help with bodily needs, we are not working to a rigid set of rules and are flexible enough to ensure no-one is disappointed and do whatever we can to help anyone.

"There is little we cannot do to help people, and that makes my role and running the shop and charity so fulfilling, leaving people with a smile and a thank you on their lips makes everything we do worthwhile."

Dumfries boasts a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, who spent his final years here. The town's architecture reflects its layered history, with landmarks like the Midsteeple, Greyfriars Church, and Burns House Museum offering glimpses into its past.

Just outside town lies Caerlaverock Castle, a stunning triangular fortress surrounded by a moat, evoking tales of medieval Scotland. Dumfries is also home to a vibrant arts scene, green spaces like Dock Park, and a strong sense of community.

Shelly Hopkins, store manager at the Marie Curie Charity Shop Dumfries said: "Yes, there are a lot of charity shops in Dumfries and they tend to do well. We get customers of all ages coming through our doors, and more recently younger people are coming into the shop. Customers are definitely more aware of the environment and things going to landfill, not to mention you can pick up one of a kind pieces and at a great price in a charity shop."

Another charity shop running in the town believes that the title is a "testament to the town's incredible generosity."

James Park, British Heart Foundation (BHF) area manager for Dumfries added: "We are absolutely delighted that Dumfries has been recognised as the charity shop capital. It's a testament to the town's incredible generosity, community spirit and commitment to sustainability. At the BHF, we're proud to be part of this vibrant retail landscape, where locals consistently show up - whether by donating quality items, volunteering their time or choosing to join our Reuse Revolution and shop pre-loved.

"In both of our Dumfries locations, we see mindful shoppers embracing second-hand as both a cost-savvy and environmentally conscious choice. Every donation and purchase helps fund lifesaving heart research, and we're thrilled to see this community's impact being celebrated on a national scale."

A spokesperson from Dumfries and Galloway Council told The Express: "While we were surprised by the headline, we recognise that charity shops are now a common and valued part of high streets across the UK.

"According to our most recent annual retail survey, conducted by the council's planning team, there are currently seven charity shops in Dumfries town centre primarily focused on clothing resale, and one that specialises in furniture.

"This includes the significant conversion of the former Debenhams store into the DGMA Charity Department Store, which may have contributed to the town's visibility in the Moneyboat survey. In addition, two vintage shops were identified. These figures are based on direct, on-the-ground surveying and may differ from the methodology used by Moneyboat."

They added: "The council remains committed to supporting the vitality and wellbeing of our high streets. The regeneration model for Dumfries is centred on community-led intervention, as demonstrated by the Midsteeple Quarter initiative, which has already delivered new retail, business and residential spaces.

"The transformation of the former Debenhams by a local charity is a further example of how innovative reuse can prevent large vacant units from blighting the town centre."