Second-hand shop

A second-hand shop is a shop which sells goods that are not new.

Second-hand books, Chorley market

There are various types of second hand shop, generally specialising in a particular type of merchandise.

• Antique shop - sells the same type of goods, either of better quality or with rarity value, consequently charging much higher prices. The distinction between junk and antiques is not always clear-cut.
• Charity shop - similar to a junk shop but set up to fund a specific charity. These tend to specialise in clothes. The quality of the clothes donated for sale depends on the area.
• Consignment - consignment shop is the Canadian term for a second-hand shop.
• Give-away shop - everything is given away at no cost. Some operate as swap shops and require the customer to donate merchandise.
• Junk shop - sells all kinds of old goods, ranging from pictures, tools, tableware to furniture and garden ornaments. The best junk shops are piled high with a huge variety of items to encourage browsing and bargain hunting. These shops also sell low-quality antiques.
• Surplus store - often sells military surplus supplies.
• Used bookstore - sells used books and other publications. Widespread in all areas. Still a particular feature of the Charing Cross Road area in London, among others. Second-hand bookshops are a mainstay of the book town, Hay-on-Wye in Wales.
• Discount store
• Variety store
• Office furniture shops selling mainly used goods are common, but lack a distinctive name.
• Vintage clothing shop - often a source of good quality garments.

See also

Second-hand goods are also sold at jumble sales and car boot sales.