British tourist visits Dubai charity shop and prices leave her totally floored

A thrifty shopper visited a charity shop in Dubai and was amazed to discover an extensive collection of designer dresses and products, all for under £200. Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates renowned for its luxurious shopping options, modern architecture, and opulent tourist attractions, was the last place Deanne Bronsell expected to find such bargains.

While browsing at the store, Deanne was impressed to find high-end designer brands like Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Jimmy Choo at a fraction of their original prices. She snagged a cream Prada dress, normally priced at around £1,500, for £199.

The charity shop, Thrift for Good, is nestled in the affluent city, where it seems wealthy residents have donated their unwanted items. Located in the Golden Mile Galleria on the famous Palm Jumeirah, the shop proved to be a treasure trove for Deanne, a 33-year-old beauty therapist from Bournemouth.

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As an avid bargain hunter, Deanne was determined to find some charity shop gems while on holiday in Dubai with her husband, Mikey.

After searching for other charity shops, she stumbled upon Thrift for Good, where she spotted a Ralph Lauren bag on display for just £20 - a steal considering its original price of around £500.

Deanne also picked up an official Miami Dolphins snapback for 99p, a significant discount from its usual price of £25.

The couple browsed the shop's offerings on Tuesday, June 17, and Deanne was thrilled to discover the prices were significantly cheaper than those in the UK.

"Their prices were so much better than UK prices," she shared. "I use charity shops back home all the time, and I feel their prices are ridiculous.

"They price high street brands so expensively, hence why people end up not going, because they are becoming greedy."

Deanne was left astounded by the thrifting scene in Dubai and added: "Whereas Dubai kept the high street brands, and the high-end designer items were priced so well, I was beyond impressed."

As more fashion enthusiasts turn to charity shops and thrifting to alleviate the environmental strain of fast fashion, Deanne praised Dubai's approach.

She said: "I was so happy to see Dubai supporting thrifting and being eco-friendly, helping stop fast fashion and making this accessible to everyone."

The beauty therapist was thrilled with the variety and value on offer, too.

She said: "They had so many great items at a really good value. They had kids' clothes, shoes, sportswear, men's, women's, designer, high street brands, jewellery, bags - everything. There was such a great range available and it was laid out like a boutique, so much nicer than UK stores."

The items at Thrift for Good have even made waves on social media, with one TikTok video lauding the store for "offering pre-loved pieces from brands like YSL, Gucci, Zara, Calvin Klein and more, all at budget-friendly prices."

The same social media account also highlighted the charitable aspect, adding: "Every purchase supports charity, and you can even donate your clothes for store credit."