Let’s talk books! Old, new, used, borrowed. Does it really matter? A good book is a journey, no matter the journey of the book. If you are not yet a convert to the thrift movement and are still teetering on the edge, here are six good reasons to convert to buying second-hand books.

The price.

Let’s cut to the basics. Price. This is probably the biggest and most obvious reason to buy second-hand books. If you’re an accomplished reader, buying books second-hand will make a huge difference to your wallet. You can buy ‘almost new’ or rare and hard-to-find second-hand books at a good charity book shop. A new book can be pricey. A good, pre-loved book is always affordable. And the great thing is, regardless of price, its magic remains unchanged.

The Environment.

Second-hand is not cheaper simply because its ‘second-hand’ or an inferior product, it’s cheaper because there are no hidden costs built into the resale. No hidden ink, paper, glue, and storage costs that still need to be covered.  That’s all paid up in full! So that little investment, has a much smaller carbon footprint. Plus, if you buy second-hand books from a charity shop, the stock is entirely from donations and supports a good cause.

Finding notes in the margins.

You may or may not agree, but there is something to be said about old books, with ‘To my beloved’ notes on the cover page, dated 1928. Yes, some people love to keep every book pristine, but sometimes finding a personal inscription or little note between the pages adds so much character to a book. It’s lovely to read why someone thought their friend would love that book, or which passages meant a lot to the previous owner. And just like that you are no longer strangers! That momentary glimpse through time, becomes a journey unexpectedly shared with a good friend.

“There are many little ways to enlarge your world.
But the love of books is the best of all” Jackie Kennedy

The pressure is off to keep it pristine.

I’m not sure how you feel about new books, but some can be rather intimidating. That wonderful new book smell screams to be preserved. The spine seems to weep and scar when you over-indulge and open too enthusiastically. It leaves you plagued with guilt for tagging the corner, no matter how small, or pencilling alongside a memorable quote. You feel irresponsible and neglectful, obligated to leave them as pristine as they are, perfect and unused. Not so, with used second-hand books. The pressure is off. The spine is already a little cracked and this leaves you free to just be and enjoy the journey.

Finding something new.

Life can do with a little more surprises. Every day, online, we order exactly what we need. A particular book, by a particular author, from a particular genre, at a particular price. And we get stuck, with no space or time for the unexpected! Not so in a second-hand bookstore. Unlike online or high price book stores where everything is organised and orderly, charity book shops are a journey of discovery. Some books are old, some new, some best sellers, some you literally cannot find anywhere else.

It goes to a good cause.

And yes, you guessed it, the five-star reason for shopping second-hand – is charity. In the case of charity shops like ours, all the funds raised from the sale of the books goes towards a great cause. Not only are you getting a bargain, but you’re also helping to support our intellectually disabled beneficiaries.

Here you can literally shop the world happy! It doesn’t get much better than that.

📍 Oasis Claremont
Our charming Claremont village of shops.
Corner of Lee and Imam Haron Road, Claremont.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00 pm
✖️ Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

📍 Oasis Fish Hoek
Find us at Shop No. 4, Somerset House, 6 Recreation Road, Fish Hoek.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:30am- 3:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 1:00pm
✖️ Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

📍 Oasis Elsies River
Located at 16th Street & 8th Avenue, Elsies River.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am- 3:30pm
✖️ Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

We thank you for your continued support.

Email us: info@oasis.org.za

As September rolls in, we invite you to take part in a global initiative aimed at creating a better, fairer world. Second Hand September, a movement pioneered by Oxfam, encourages us to resist the fast fashion frenzy and instead opt for pre-loved treasures – and our Oasis Charity Shops offer you the chance to do just that.

What is Second Hand September?

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters on our planet. Its fast-paced production and the rate at which clothes are discarded after only a few wears mean that millions of garments end up in landfills each year, contributing to a throwaway culture that has grave consequences for our environment. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

By choosing to buy second-hand, you’re helping to reduce the demand for new clothes, contributing to a more sustainable and slow fashion cycle, and conserving precious resources like water. Shopping during Second Hand September is a greener choice, but it’s also a statement – it’s your chance to take a stand against fast fashion, and the best place to make that statement is at an Oasis Charity Shop.

Why Oasis?

At Oasis, we believe in creating positive change. You’ll find unique, affordable, and stylish treasures while supporting our mission to improve the lives of people living with intellectual disabilities. When you shop at one of our charity shops in Claremont, Fish Hoek, or Elsies River, your purchases play a role in changing the lives of our beneficiaries, for good.

By opting for second-hand clothing – buying, wearing and donating pre-loved pieces – we can lessen the demand for new items.  Adding second-hand items to our wardrobes allows us to discover more trendy, stylish, and affordable threads.  It also supports a charitable cause and contributes to saving our planet.  Do good, look good and feel good.”
Gail Bester, Director Oasis Association

 

Proceeds from our shops go directly back into our programmes, helping us provide social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sport and recreation, and much more for over 500 beneficiaries. You will not only look good but you will be doing good, and you will feel good.

Find your closest Oasis Shop here: https://www.oasis.org.za/our-shops/

Pop in today!!

You can shop or donate

Second Hand September is the perfect time to clear out your closet and donate those items you no longer wear. By giving your pre-loved clothes a new life, you’re helping to fund our vital work at Oasis. Your donations provide employment opportunities for our beneficiaries, allowing them to develop to their full potential in a supportive environment.

Please drop off your pre-loved, unwanted goods at Oasis in Claremont, on the corner of Lee and Imam Haron Road.

Join us in #SecondHandSeptember

This September, support a fairer, more sustainable thrifting industry by shopping second-hand and donating to charity shops like ours. Together, we can reduce the impact of fast fashion and support those who need it most. To learn more about the global movement, visit Oxfam’s blog here.

Pop into one of our shops today and discover how you can make a difference, one nifty find at a time. The best fashion is already out there.

Support Oasis by following us on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

Oasis Charity shop Claremont

Our charming Claremont village of shops.

Corner of Lee and Imam Haron Road, Claremont.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 3:30pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

 

Oasis Charity shop Fish Hoek

Find us at Shop No. 4, Somerset House, 6 Recreation Road, Fish Hoek.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30am- 3:30pm

Saturday: 8:30am – 1:00pm

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.