Name(English): Castaways Charity Shop
Name(Chinese): 聖約翰座堂二手貨品店
Category: Markets & Malls
Address(English): 4-8 Garden Road, Central
Address(Chinese): 香港中環花園道4-8號
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/qmXHaCfGw8Fd7cZF6
Address longitude and latitude: 22.27896006365706, 114.15968798203158
Nearest MTR Station: Central Station Exit K
Nearest MTR Station Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/RYAcLRPBDD9jgTHr5
Nearest MTR Station longitude and latitude: 22.281199658732156, 114.15953019350387
How far from the nearest MTR Station: 5 min walk from MTR Central Station Exit K
Opening hours:
MON Closed
TUE Closed
WED 12:00 – 14:30
THU 12:00 – 14:30
FRI 12:00 – 14:30
SAT 10:00 – 12:00
SUN 10:00 – 11:45
Recommended time to visit: WED-FRI 1200-1400 (Just by the time when donations are accepted)
Accessibility Note: Easy access
If you are craving an boost of fabulousness to your relaxation but tired of chain stores, second-hand shops are definitely your place to shop. Here’s a good pick for you: Castaways. Owned by the city’s oldest Anglican church, the shop is managed by the cathedral CLARES, a women’s group formed by some Cathedral and non-Cathedral members, with care, love and support to the local community.
Located by the Cathedral bookshop, Castaways is a humble standing compared to the grand Cathedral block. With a blue tent outside the shop, the modest shop stands out along the driveway. Due to the cathedral’s historical background and its proximity to the Mid-levels area, it is allegedly known as one of the most popular charity shops that the rich donate their clothes to, where you may find gems like luxury items at a reasonable price.
Beneath the tent, there is a selection of English books, fiction, non-fiction, as well as children’s books, which includes some contemporary literature, and perhaps some possibly banned books about China in the 20th century due to current circumstances. Though these books are rather cheap in price (most of them are only HKD20-30), they could be of great value for the inspirations they bring.
There are, moreover, piles of clothes that are only HKD10 per piece. You may even find a good quality cheongsam with dragon embroideries on it that would have cost you an arm and a leg if you have it tailormade. The garments inside the shop may be at higher prices, still with the quality you can get, it is certainly worth it.
Aside from garments that you can find in the shop, there are also electric appliances and home items, like rugs or paintings. Little home decorations and photographs are placed outside the shop, and you may chat with the ladies looking after them to know about the stories behind each piece of them. Communication is certainly not an issue to overcome due to the cultural diversity of the CLARES group, which most of the sisters in fact are non-ethnic Chinese.
Purchasing from Castaways not only brings joy but also light to one’s soul. The fund that Castaways raised will be donated to local charities, and so your purchases are meaningful enough that by giving your favorite items a new life, you contribute to support the needy. If you have time passing by downtown, do make your way to Castaways and discover the joy that shopping in malls cannot give.
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