Carmarthen

Joanna Page heads to Carmarthen, one of Wales’s oldest market towns, in search of second-hand magic along the banks of the River Towy. With Merlin, myths and medieval history in the air, Joanna wonders whether today’s contestants will find a little spellbinding luck in the town’s charity shops.

Friends Joy and Thembi, both from Swansea, are taking on the challenge, hoping to raise as much money as possible for Women’s Aid. Armed with £100 each to spend and just 60 minutes on the clock, they’re paired with expert thrifters Jen and Mirain and sent racing around Carmarthen’s ten charity shops in search of resale gold.

Joy and Jen hit the ground running, focusing on quality fashion and bric-a-brac. Their confidence pays off early when they spot a classic Windsmoor wool jacket for just £8.50 – a well-made British brand with strong resale appeal. They also keep an eye out for Joanna’s pick of the day, a collectable potter jug hiding in plain sight.

Across town, Thembi and Mirain take a slower, more cautious approach – and clash frequently over what’s worth buying. Vintage wool jackets, jewellery and furniture spark debate, with Mirain keen to take risks and Thembi reluctant to commit. Eventually, they land on a bold upcycling choice: a 20th-century oak hallway chair, bought for £40, which could either flop or become a standout piece.

With the clock ticking down and decisions still hanging in the balance, Joanna steps in to keep things moving, pushing both teams to trust their instincts and spend their budgets before time runs out.

During the transformation upcycle, Joy’s tired storage chest is sent to upholsterer Ray Clarke, who turns it into a striking contemporary blanket box, while Thembi’s hallway chair is reimagined by Tristan Merriam, emerging as a vibrant, hand-painted statement piece.

Auction day brings nerves, excitement and plenty of personality as Joy and Thembi take charge of a live online auction, pitching their items to hundreds of bidders watching from home. Profits climb quickly – especially on the upcycled pieces – and it's neck and neck all the way to the end.

As the auction results are combined with the online sales, it’s a nail-biting finish. But while one contestant edges ahead, the biggest win is for charity, with an impressive total raised for Women’s Aid.

Joy and Thembi's shopping day in Carmarthen proves that trusting your instincts – and spotting quality – can turn second-hand finds into cash-in-hand results.