Pilgrims Hospices’ Mystery Bags at the Margate Discount store have taken the town by storm, and the results are nothing short of amazing.
Since launching in April 2025, the much-loved £5 Mystery Bags have become a must-have for bargain hunters, fashion fans and eco-conscious shoppers alike.
And the figures speak for themselves:
844 bags sold, £4,220 raised for Pilgrims Hospices care
Elizabeth Hilden, Shop Manager at Margate Discount
Each bag, packed with at least seven items of ladies’ clothing, offers not just incredible value, but a fun, feel-good shopping experience that’s helping to fund vital end-of-life care across east Kent. Even better, the Mystery Bags are organised by clothing size, making it easy for shoppers to find pieces that fit and feel great.
From pre-loved to re-loved, and straight to the party!
Whether it’s a hen weekend in Margate, a festival-inspired outfit, or a cosy night in with friends, Mystery Bags have become a go-to for shoppers looking for something a little different. Customers are coming back time and time again, with many buying multiple bags to share, style and even showcase on social media.
Elizabeth Hilden, Shop Manager at the Margate Discount Store, said:
“We’ve had such fantastic feedback, people absolutely love the surprise element! It’s been especially popular with visitors to Margate, including hen parties looking for fun, affordable outfits. And the fact it supports Pilgrims makes it even more special.”
A confidence boost that changed a life
The success of the Mystery Bags isn’t just about sales, it’s about people too.
Madison, a young volunteer who spent nearly a year carefully creating the bags, has now secured full-time employment with a major fashion retailer. She credits her time at Pilgrims for building her confidence and retail skills.
Her journey is a wonderful example of how Pilgrims shops support not only patients and families, but the wider community too.
Sustainable, stylish, and full of surprises
Mystery Bags are a brilliant way to shop more sustainably, giving pre-loved clothing a second life while reducing waste.
It’s fashion with a conscience, wrapped up in a £5 surprise.
With fresh bags added regularly, there’s always something new to discover, so why not pop in and see what treasure you might find?
Grab yours while they last!
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
26th March 2026
Shopping with heart: How Pilgrims Shops power hospice care
Every bargain, every bag donated, every volunteer shift – it all adds up to something extraordinary.
Across east Kent, Pilgrims Hospices’ 33 shops are more than stores; they’re vibrant community hubs where preloved treasures find new homes, people shop affordably, and every purchase helps to fund hospice care.
More than shops: They are welcoming spaces on the high street
Pilgrims Shops provide:
Affordable clothing and household essentials
Friendly, welcoming spaces on the high street
Opportunities to volunteer, learn new skills, and connect with others
Shopping second-hand also supports the planet by keeping items out of landfill, reducing demand for new products, and lowering CO₂ emissions all while raising income to support Pilgrims Hospices care services.
Ramsgate: Plans to expand into neighbouring units, offering more stock and space
Retail events making a difference
Special sales like Kilo, Media, Jumble, Table Top, and pop-up events bring new shoppers, create excitement, and raise more for hospice care – all in a fun, community-focused way.
Volunteer voices
“I started volunteering to give back, but I’ve gained so much. The team feels like family, and knowing our efforts help local hospice care makes every shift worthwhile.”
– Pilgrims shop volunteer
Be part of something special
Shop Find preloved fashion, furniture, books, and homeware.
DonateTurn unwanted items into someone else’s treasure.
Together, we’re turning everyday shopping into extraordinary care.
Ashford Discount shop
Pilgrims Retail by the numbers
By December 2025, our shops achieved remarkable results:
1,145,646 items sold
297,714 clothing items given a second life
172,065 household items rehomed
122,095 books passed on to new readers
61,208 toys enjoyed by families
10,095 furniture items sold with 1,723 deliveries
4,645 new Gift Aid donors
All made possible by 635 volunteers and 102 staff – every figure tells a story of generosity.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
18th February 2026
Chartham’s new Pilgrims Hospices shop is open – and already a hit!
Photograph: Chartham Furniture, Fashion and Home team
Pilgrims Hospices’ brand-new Chartham Furniture, Fashion & Home store opened on Thursday 12 February 2026, and it didn’t take long for shoppers to fall in love.
The vibrant, feel-good space raised £2,914 on opening day alone, helping fund vital local hospice care.
This isn’t your usual pre-loved shop; it’s packed with hundreds of stylish finds, high street brands, creative treasures, and unique homewares. From everyday essentials to statement pieces, there’s something for everyone, plus a creative hub for crafters, sewists, and upcyclers hunting for inspiration.
Andy Brady, Shop Manager, said:
“Shoppers have been telling us how excited they are about the new store and the fantastic stock. There’s a real buzz here, and knowing it supports hospice care makes every bargain feel even better.”
Mandy Hawkett, Area Manager, added:
“Our community told us they missed having a local Pilgrims shop, and now it’s back, bigger, brighter, and better than ever. It’s a must-visit for fashion, homewares, and creativity alike!”
With plenty of parking, a friendly volunteer team, and stock that’s constantly refreshed, the new Chartham store is designed for browsing, discovering, and feeling good about every purchase.
Drop in at Unit 2/3 Stour Business Park, Chartham, Monday to Saturday, 9am–4pm, to see what everyone’s talking about, and maybe find your next bargain!
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
