Publications
Partners
We’ve all heard the phrase “One person’s trash is another’s treasure”. With the cost of living increasing daily every extra rand helps, and decluttering our lives to find our flow again is always a healthy option anyway.
As a Holistic Professional Organiser I’ve often assisted clients with donating and selling off their unwanted goods. Some people are pleasantly surprised with the money they make, while others aren’t. Unfortunately all modern goods drop in value the second they are bought, unlike antique, vintage and retro collectables. Consumers dictate trends, and even antiques have their ebbs and flows in value.
Our global warming crisis needs us to buy less new stuff to minimise unsustainable product production. This has turned thrifting into popular shopping as people seek bargains to flip into other creations or things to resell. This new trend has made it slightly more challenging to find cheap buys these days. Treasures are still out there, though, and one just needs to hunt and haggle for them.
Charities rely on their shops to fund their projects, so please don’t ask them for discounts. Whether you’re donating, selling or seeking, Hermanus has many charity and second-hand shops, each with their own specialties to indulge your fancy.
The lesser known and newest shop on the block is Mon ChariTea, a lovely little hidden treasure chest that sells pre-loved clothes, shoes and affordable high-end labels opposite the police station. Funds from their shop are used for a food project at the Anima Care Centre for children with developmental disabilities and Izibusiso, a foster home in Hermanus. Open Monday-Friday, 12:00-14:00. Donations and volunteers always needed.
The Family Tree always has bargains and free stuff outside. Their prices are already incredibly low, and yet they often have sales! I bought a perfect blouse last week on sale for R2,50! And on top of everything Aileen and Dornay are always very friendly and helpful. Funds go to Hermanus Child and Family Services. Donations welcome.
Animal Welfare Charity has two shops, with lots of bric-a-brac, linen, clothes and jewellery. Sandra, their mother hen, is always happy to help and knows everyone in Hermanus. Proceeds go to help lots of pets and their owners. Donations are always welcome.
Bargain Box, run by the Rotary Club of Hermanus, can be found next door to the Animal Welfare shop in town. It sells clothes and bric-a-brac. Speak to its lovely volunteers committed to service to find out about their current projects. All donations are welcome, since they’re currently looking for children’s clothing please. Volunteers are always needed. Monday-Friday 10:00-14:00, Saturday 09:00-14:00.
Overstrand Hospice Shop is the biggest charity shop and only one that sells large furniture. They often have sales, R10 pants bins, free books and there’s always lekker music to shop to. They rely on sales to assist patients and their families with free services. Donations welcome.
All Good Things in Onrus is a lovely homely country trading store with a bit of everything. Trevor sells veg, coffee, baked treats, preloved clothes, has a book exchange and collects food, bedding and so on for an unfunded project in Hawston run by a woman who feeds and cares for many animals in need. Please drop off pet food and goodies.
Jol Emporium has probably been here since Hermanus was discovered. Carol is an entrepreneurial mensch in the community. Her shop has well priced pre-loved clothes, shoes, linen and so on, and has a wonderful fancy dress section for all your party needs.
Janine’s Clothing adds a bit of pretty to the industrial area, with wafts of Stay Soft to welcome shoppers. She sells new and used clothing, shoes and linen. Janine is always happy to help you find the right ensemble.
Cash Creators is a labyrinth of stuff, big and small, with some antiques and collectables among the bargains. Pierre is a great negotiator and always happy to share the story of the treasure he discovered. He also buys gold.
Snuffles and Snuffles Modern sells everything and then some. Mike and Rudy added the little coffee shop when they bought the business a few years ago. They roast and grind Suave coffee beans on site, and serve carrot cake, biscuits, rusks and fudge while you peruse their selection. And on a Sunday, Snuffles Modern turns into a church.
Cash Converters is a franchise that has all the good stuff of a family run business. They specialise in smalls, jewels, appliances, smaller furniture and so on. They also assist with loans against your quality second hand items and buy gold and silver.
Over and Over sells second hand furniture, bric-a-brac and used building materials. Fanie has a workshop on site where he makes beautiful things from reclaimed wood. Best to take a compass with when you enter the maze.
Romantiques is a work of art that sells antique, vintage and retro collectables. They have a real-life old-fashioned cinema where they screen old movies. The last time I popped in there with my mom, I told her I wouldn’t want to be there with all those mannequins when the lights went out.
Santa Hermanus Bookshop has a huge selection of incredibly cheap books. Don’t be deceived by the size of the shop, they’ve added more shelves for more books, so make sure you have enough time to browse. Bob and his merry volunteers are always happy to guide you in the right direction. They also have a box outside with free books. All proceeds from the shop go to the South African National Tuberculosis Association, which pays for the salaries of eight staff that do wonderful work in our community. Donations always welcome.
Hemingways is an institution in Hermanus where one feels like you’ve stepped into a book or onto a stage. Don’t be in a hurry when popping in here. Quirk & Leopard Bookshop is slightly hidden in the Gateway centre, but have a huge selection, and a very neat shop, which makes one think they sell new books.
Enjoy your decluttering, donating, selling and shopping. If your clutter is getting you down, I’m happy to assist you find balance and flow again. For more information contact Michelle on 082 689 0355.
