Retail therapy has taken yet another twist in Penang where you can shop for a cause and stay in fashion.

Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) recently unveiled a new and meaningful project in the form of a thrift shop.

WCC is a not-for-profit organisation that supports abused women and children.

The noble intention behind the opening of this shop is for its profits to be ploughed back to further WCC’s work.

The WCC Value Value Shop is located on the mezzanine floor of Island Plaza, where bargains abound.

Quality new and used items have been tastefully grouped and displayed, with prices starting from RM1.

This little Aladdin’s Cave tucked away at the shopping mall, has interesting finds ranging from books, branded apparel, shoes and bags and quirky fashion accessories, to name a few.

The warm and friendly atmosphere found in the shop is so infectious, where strangers end up chatting and laughing with each other.

The WCC Value Shop, says the centre’s president Mariam Lim, is an initiative aimed at not only providing a steady flow of funds for the organisation, but also advocates sustainable living and provides customers with good quality goods at affordable prices.

The store is run by a cheerful band of volunteers who are out to encourage “Every people that change is possible,” notes Lim.

Bargain surprises and cute finds pop up daily, we are told and it is also heart-warming to see donors walking in with quality items to give away.

The candy-striped brand new blouse I walked away with (RM5) was yet another reminder that one should support private and socially meaningful enterprises such these. And the three funky tops picked up by Debbie at equally attractive prices are reason for us to return there, soon.

Thank you Mariam & Susan for a lovely welcome and congratulations on such an innovative enterprise!

More details on operating hours and the latest offers and good buys are found on the WCC Value Shop Facebook page.

(Images courtesy of Mariam Lim)