Skip to Buy Tickets Skip to Content Skip to Footer
LoadingA circular icon that animates to indicate a loading state.

Loading service updates...

Second hand items in a shop

Sustainable shopping: where can you find the best preloved items in the south east

Blog post author - Robin

Robin Hamman Freelance journalist, consultant, and university lecturer

With its eclectic mix of vintage stores and quirky boutiques, it’s the perfect destination for a unique shopping adventure. Here’s my guide to getting the best out of your shopping trip to Brighton without taking a bite out of the planet.

What’s in it for me?

  1. Brighton has one of the most vibrant second-hand shopping scenes in the UK and this article shares some of the best places to discover amazing one-off finds
  2. Visit Brighton off-season to get your choice of seating - whether you are travelling on your own or with friends and family - and off peak to get the best price
  3. Find out how you can help support the circular economy and reduce the carbon footprint of your visit

Getting to Brighton sustainably

Direct services between St. Albans, where I live, and Brighton on Thameslink take as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes and from London Bridge it’s just over an hour. Not only is that half an hour faster, and a lot less hassle, than driving and finding a place to park, travel by train is also far more sustainable. I used the RAC’s mileage and fuel calculator to do the sums: my car journey would cost around £28 in fuel costs alone, generating between 8-10kg of carbon dioxide emissions - about the same as a short-haul flight between London and Paris. On sustainability alone, Thameslink wins every time.

Let’s also look at the costs. The AA publishes a full list costs you might not initially think of insurance, mileage related depreciation and wear and tear and parking or, in my instance, the high likelihood of getting a parking fine. For the sake of comparison, my partner’s off-peak return with a Network Railcard was £31.80.

For most people, most of the time, travelling to Brighton by train is faster, more sustainable, and cheaper than other forms of transport. Oh, and the station at Brighton is a Victorian gem that’s well worth a look around in its own right.

A man playing the piano at Brighton station

On our day trip, my partner was on the lookout for a football jersey for her son and something for the country western themed barn party we were going to at the weekend. I was interested in anything photography related and was keen to check out at least one of Brighton’s dozen or second hand vinyl shops.

Spoiler alert: neither of us actually ended up buying what we were looking for but we both had a fun day out and made some finds that are already in use now that we’ve got them back home. My partner bought some 1970s style earthenware cups and saucers, and I returned home with a framed poster both purchased from North Laine Bazaar, that, as I'm sure you’ll agree when you see the photo, pretty much sums up our experience.

North Laine Bazaar

Junk

Located in the heart of Brighton, Junk is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, accessories, and homeware. This shop is known for its carefully curated selection of items from different eras, making it a favorite among fashionistas and collectors alike. Whether you’re looking for a retro dress or a unique piece of decor - we saw a coffin on our visit - Junk has something for everyone.

Top tip: Junk has two locations within a few minutes walk of each other and you’ll want to visit both.

Shop front of a junk shop

Snoopers Paradise

Just a short walk from Junk, you’ll find Snoopers Paradise, a sprawling emporium filled with stalls selling everything from antique furniture to vintage toys. This indoor market is a labyrinth of curiosities, where you can easily spend hours exploring. Each stall offers a different slice of history, making it a fascinating place to hunt for hidden gems. Top tip: Make sure you give yourself a good hour or so to see everything and find your way back to items you mentally bookmarked as being of interest. Snoopers Paradise is not an experience to be rushed.

Second hand items in a shop

Beyond Retro

Another gem in Brighton’s second-hand scene is Beyond Retro. This store specialises in vintage clothing and accessories, with a focus on sustainability. Their extensive collection spans fashions dating from almost every period and scene of the past 50+ years, offering a wide range of styles to suit any taste. It’s the perfect place to find a statement piece that stands out from the crowd.

The Vintage Workshop

For those who love upcycled and handmade items, The Vintage Workshop is a must-visit. This charming shop features a variety of repurposed furniture, handmade jewellery, and unique gifts. The emphasis on craftsmanship and creativity really sets it apart.

Tips for successful second-hand shopping

  1. Know What You Need: Make a list of items you are looking for to stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases. I find this the most difficult tip to follow myself!
  2. Inspect Items Carefully: Check for any damage or wear and tear. Some items may need minor repairs, which can be a fun DIY project… or a time sink you didn’t expect.
  3. Be Patient: Finding the perfect item may take time. Regular visits to  -hand stores can increase your chances of finding what you need.
  4. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price, especially if the item has visible flaws.
  5. Think Creatively: Consider how you can repurpose or upcycle items to give them a new life.
Second hand items in a shop

Circular economy

Often when we buy goods or services, we do so with the intention of making use of it until it is discarded, effectively owning and having sole use for the duration of its useful lifetime. This is a wasteful approach since many valuable resources are locked into those products, whether they are items of clothing gathering dust in the back of the wardrobe or single use items such as disposable packaging.

The circular economy is an economic system aimed at making sure that products are reused, repaired, refurbished or recycled - basically, rethinking how we own, use and dispose of the things we buy. The good news is that not only does this offer a more sustainable way of living but it’s also an idea that’s really catching on, particularly in Brighton.

North Laine Bazaar

The circular economy is built on three key principles:

  1. Designing out waste and pollution: Products are designed to be more durable, reusable, and recyclable.
  2. Keeping products and materials in use: Extending the lifecycle of products through reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling.
  3. Regenerating natural systems: Ensuring that the economy works in harmony with nature, enhancing natural capital.

The circular economy not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters innovation and economic growth.

Benefits of buying second-hand

Purchasing second-hand items is a practical and effective way to support the circular economy. Here are some compelling reasons to consider second-hand shopping:

  1. Environmental impact: Buying second-hand reduces the demand for new products, which in turn decreases the extraction of raw materials and the energy required for manufacturing. This helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources
  2. Cost savings: Second-hand items are often cheaper than new ones. This makes it easier to access high-quality products at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to save money while still enjoying the things you need and love
  3. Unique finds: Second-hand shopping can be an adventure, offering unique and vintage items that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. This can add a personal touch to your style and home decor
  4. Supporting local economies: Many second-hand stores are small businesses or charities. By purchasing from them, you are supporting local economies and contributing to community development
  5. Reducing waste: Extending the life of products through second-hand purchases helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This is crucial for managing waste sustainably and reducing pollution

Playing your part in the circular economy of Brighton

I organised for my partner to join me by train on a day trip to explore the best that Brighton’s circular economy has to offer. As she lives within a couple minutes walk from Harpenden on the Thameslink, we organised to meet up in the second carriage after I joined at St. Albans. The direct train had plenty of seats as well as wifi and plug sockets, all of which made it easier for us to plan our visits.

Neither of us is new to secondhand shopping or using pre-loved items in our day-to-day lives. We both have second-hand mobiles, most of my partner’s outfit on the day was pre-owned, and I always shoot photos on cameras, some of them vintage film models, purchased used.

Old cameras in a shop display

Conclusion

Embracing the circular economy through second-hand purchases is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a more sustainable future. By choosing to buy second-hand, you are not only reducing your environmental footprint but also supporting a system that values resource efficiency and innovation. Brighton’s second-hand shops offer a delightful mix of nostalgia and sustainability, proving that taking part in the circular economy is not only possible but can be a lot of fun. Do yourself and the environment a favour by visiting by train.

About the Author

Robin Hamman is a freelance journalist, photographer and consultant who lives in St. Albans. He collects used vinyl and vintage cameras, makes daily use of dishes from the 1970s, and owns a few pieces of designer furniture from the same era. Robin and his partner travelled to Brighton courtesy of Thameslink.

Buy your train tickets online and get the best deals

No booking fees, and collect from any station in the UK

Book today