Shabitat’s £1 sale has returned and it’s bigger and better than ever

This weekend saw the return of Shabitat’s £1 Sale. With clothes, CDs, DVDs and furniture selling at ludicrously cheap prices, it’s no surprise that the second hand warehouse store on Lewes Road was absolutely heaving with people looking for a bargain.

I have never been to a second hand store before with so many different items on offer. You could probably furnish an entire house with everything you need plus some things you really don’t need, like a massage table, for example. You could also buy yourself a nifty hat which actually incorporates a bottle opener. Style and practicality mixed into one cap shaped bundle for the same price as a McDonald’s cheeseburger.

Serious cap envy

Shoppers were in heaven as they bought £15 sofas and coffee machines for their student digs and there was no holding back on the £1 clothes. Guys who have never worn tweed before were losing themselves in the tweed jacket rail saying to their scoffing mates that they fancied trying a new look – and for a quid, why wouldn’t you?  I considered buying a red lace bralet but after disapproving looks from my friends I realised that the burlesque look probably isn’t for me and put it back down.

It’s definitely a bold look ….

People were buying everything from skis to chairs to books to artwork. As well as some gems, the there was an eclectic mix of highly questionable items. It has to be said that the diverse range of second hand potties left me confused and slightly disturbed.

Who buys these?!?!?!

The wonder of second hand stores is the surprise they hold. Someone got more than they bargained for as three old bras fell out of a chest of drawers they had just bought. The anticipation of what lay inside the safe that we desperately tried, but failed, to get open was almost too tense to handle.

Could be empty, could be of full cocaine. I guess we’ll never know.

The four for £1 offer on books, CDs, vinyls and DVDs was a both a thrill and a safety hazard. One guy looked like he was about to lose it when someone picked up a book that he had apparently already claimed and I honestly thought I was going to have to break up a fight. The book thief tried to talk his way into getting the book but he was getting no where. I’ve never seen so many emotions over a sociology textbook.

Shabitat is a must for every lover of thrift, vintage and antiques. Whether it’s a hand powered sewing machine, a chaise longue, or a wonderfully ugly shirt, you’re almost guaranteed to walk away with something that you probably don’t need, but really really want.