A young shopper named Tom Scott uncovered a treasure trove of valuable clothing items, including a hand-me-down from a celebrity, during a visit to charity shops in affluent areas of London. Tom, who regularly hunts for bargains, struck gold when he decided to explore shops in Chelsea, Marylebone, and Parsons Green.
Among his discoveries was a custom-tailored tweed jacket believed to be crafted for actor Hugh Laurie, along with designer pieces worth thousands of pounds. Just from one shopping spree, Tom pocketed a handsome £1,000 in profit.
Tom, hailing from Northumberland, remarked on the abundance of high-end brands in London charity shops compared to his usual shopping spots around Newcastle. Notable finds from his recent excursion included a Ralph Lauren shirt priced at £29.99, Salomon trainers for £15, a Lock & Co. fedora for £35, and an Engineered Garments blazer for £58. Additionally, he acquired a Kjus golf jacket for £14.99, which he resold for £150.
The highlight of Tom’s discoveries was a pair of loafers by Loro Piana, purchased for £30 and later sold for £336 after a local shoe professional enhanced their condition. Tom runs a business called Tweed & Tailored, specializing in men’s tweed jackets and bespoke tailoring sourced from various places, including charity shops. He emphasized the benefits of shopping in charity stores, praising the sustainability, affordability, and support for UK charities that it offers.
Having previously scored deals like a Savile Row jacket linked to Hugh Laurie and a bespoke overcoat from Huntsman Savile Row in charity shops, Tom’s knack for spotting valuable pieces dates back to his teenage years. His passion for charity shopping turned into a full-time venture, providing him with a fulfilling lifestyle. Tom reflected on his journey, recalling his first major profit from a leather jacket with a cashmere lining that he purchased for £8 and later sold for £650.
Tom chose not to disclose his exact earnings but expressed contentment with his profession, stating, “I love what I do and make enough to sustain myself.”