Caroline Butler, from Norfolk, is well-known online as Caroline Shops, and regularly shows some of her amazing discoveries. She recently shared a video following a visit to a charity shop in a Norfolk town.
Charity shops across the UK are a treasure trove of incredible bargains, from clothing and fashion accessories to toys and records, and so much more. One seasoned bargain-hunter, who boasts a combined social media following of more than 600,000 people, lifted the lid on some of the gems she unearthed in one charity shop – and why the trip left her feeling “quite sad”.
Caroline Butler, from Norfolk, is widely known online as Caroline Shops, and regularly showcases her remarkable finds. She recently uploaded a video following a trip to a charity shop in a Norfolk town.
Kicking off her video, Caroline said: “I came to a charity shop this bank holiday weekend, and I was not happy about the customer service I received.”
She went on to say: “Ninety-nine per cent of the time I have incredible service at charity shops, but this was the exception. Now, don’t get me wrong, the charity shop is incredible and I got some bargains, however, while I was in there they criticised social media, grilled me about how I made my money as a content creator, were seemingly very disparaging about my career, and I left feeling really quite sad about the whole exchange.”
She revealed she had popped into the Pricilla Bacon Hospice Charity Shop in the town of Diss, saying she had stumbled upon some “really good stuff”. Among her haul was a pristine Radley purse for £6. “Radley purses aren’t cheap, and this one really did look like it had minimal wear,” she said.
She also showcased a silver and black Austin Reed dress, which she branded a “bargain” at £15, adding: “I wish this had been in my size.” Further finds included a black and red Whistles blouse for £5.95, a red Windsmoor top for £3.95, and a lime green Lands’ End cardigan for £4, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
Caroline also unearthed a floral Seasalt dress for £12.50, which she described as “maybe a little bit pricey.” Additional discoveries included a brand new multicoloured pair of Nike shorts for £4.50, another pair of red shorts priced at £9.95, a floral summer dress for £4, and a bright pink tote bag for £6.
She then held up a red t-shirt featuring 1960s cartoon character Batfink, calling it “a blast from the past”, priced at £3.95, alongside an England t-shirt for £3. “The shop really is laid out beautifully and I love this bric-a-brac section,” she said.
Highlighting several items from that section, she pointed out a “stunning” perfume bottle for £4, and a model of a “rather grumpy-looking” westie dog for £1.50. “They’ve got a beautiful section for children, with toys and games and kids wear,” she added, drawing attention to a Winnie-the-Pooh spinning top for £2.50, and a mysterious action figure, whom Caroline dubbed a “scary fella”.
Wrapping up her review, she said: “Like I say, the shop is beautiful and there’s loads of bargains, but I wasn’t happy with the customer service.”
Viewers were quick to share their own opinions in the comments section. One wrote: “It’s time they accept in 2026 reselling and social media platforms are a real thing.” Caroline clarified she is “not a reseller”, prompting the commenter to respond: “Doesn’t matter, even if you were a reseller, and you are on social media. The point is that staff should treat everyone the same, especially as these are both what many people are doing in 2026.”
Another chimed in: “I went to a charity shop the other week, I got dirty looks from them. I walked in wearing a hoodie and leggings with my two kids and judging by their prices I should [have] gone in with a Bentley.”
A third added: “Beautiful shop. But people are the problem always. No one has the right to criticise you. You help the shops by showing place and stock. What a shame.”
The Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity fundraises for the Pricilla Bacon Lodge, in Colney, Norwich, where specialist hospice care is provided by the East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust. The charity was contacted for comment.
