Carole Rees was shopping in the British Heart Foundation in Carmarthen when she spotted a Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Coffee Machine – then realised how much it was worth
Discovering treasure in a charity shop can be thrilling – particularly when you’re aware of how much something would cost if it were brand new. Rummaging through secondhand items is fashionable right now, with many people picking up designer brands for a fraction of their recommended retail price, making it a rather pleasant day out.
But one woman was left particularly stunned when shopping in the British Heart Foundation in Carmarthen, Wales. Carole Rees wrote in her TikTok caption: “If you’re one of those that c**k your nose up at charity shops, think again! They’re not like they used to be!
“I’ve had some incredible finds – often high-value or designer items – and honestly, the buzz of not knowing what you’ll uncover makes it way more fun than high street shopping.”
Carole explained the British Heart Foundation home store was the first one she visited that day, praising the furniture for being “absolutely amazing”.
“They were actually having a half-price sale, as I was walking through the door, they were putting the banners up,” she explained.
Carole then revealed her son purchased a Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Coffee Machine the previous month for £549.99.
She added: “I would love one, but I’d never pay that.”
So she was “delighted” when she spotted the exact same one in the charity shop at a mere fraction of the price compared to the one her son forked out for, saying it was a little “beauty”.
Carole gushed: “The exact same model in as new condition for 45 bloody quid! What a bloody bargain.”
The clever shopper “picked it up and went straight to the till”. She added: “Yes, I saved myself £500, and I’m so glad I went thrifting in this lovely little town.”
In the caption, Carole wrote: “This Ninja machine is definitely my find of the year so far!”
In the comments, someone urged her to get it “tested” before using it. However, someone pointed out the shop has to do this before they sell electrical goods.
Another said it was the “best bargain” – and Carole claimed she was “chuffed” with it.
One woman wrote: “I found a brand new pair of Birkenstock Chelsea boots £170 new, I paid £5.00, chuffed, love a little browse.”
Another local said: “Scrolling through TikTok and thinking that looks like King Street in Carmarthen, don’t often see my home town on here. Glad you got a bargain and you enjoyed your visit.”
Somebody joked they thought her son would be “fuming” that she found the same coffee machine for a fraction of the price.
Carole confirmed: “For those asking, yes, it’s working perfectly fine, and it’s like brand new.”