I admit it.  Hold my hands up.  Hang my head in shame. My name is Sybil and I'm an addict. 

If I don't get my weekly fix, the withdrawal symptoms start to kick in and overwhelm.  Breathing becomes labored so, no time to delay, get up, get dressed and up and out – I need it NOW!  I know what you are probably thinking – drugs, booze or___?  But you're quite wrong.

What I need, crave and simply must have is - in the realm of retail therapy - a bargain! Of course, my initiation to bargain hunting has got to be credited to my cousin Nita in Manchester. In times gone by she, with great charm, taught me the art of spotting a bargain and off we would go to Salford Market, or "Harrods, Salford Branch" as she prefers to call it where, handbags safely locked away, the money for our purchases jingling in our pockets we happily searched for our "treasures". 

It's true that many moons ago I loved shopping but with the passing of time, the increase in irritation levels and subsequent decrease in patience, shopping is no longer a pleasure except….at the second hand clothes store.  Jenny, my "best friend" of the past couple of years, is a very unusual brand of shopkeeper – an honest person who tells it like it is. Not for her the pushy attitude; if it doesn’t fit properly, doesn't suit, doesn't flatter she says so firmly and her honesty pays off.  Her smiling satisfied customers, like me, return time after time for their fix and  are concrete testimony to Jenny's warm friendly manner, not forgetting the convenient location at 105 Ibn Givrol Street, Tel Aviv, elegant surroundings and music from the 50s and 60s that we mature ladies prefer.  And I must tell you that we've got lots of goodies to show for it!

The shop is a real-time Aladdin's cave.  One never knows what will be on offer next and indeed, I'm also astonished at what some people bring in to sell….  My purchases from Jenny include the dress I wore to the last wedding celebration I attended, a designer bag, sunglasses, delicate glassware, brand new shoes and my special silver ring which cost 10 shekels and which, from a quick check on the Internet, I discovered is from an Italian designer collection.  And mustn't forget my fur trimmed jacket(s) which are sooo glamorous.

When I saw the grace and elegance of an Origami swan, I was impressed by the time and effort invested into producing something so special and equally surprised that someone was getting rid of it…  I asked Jenny "how much is that?" and when she replied "5 shekels" I said "it's coming home with me"!  It now has its own little corner in my lounge.  My genuine Bratz cat surveys all from its lofty pedestal in my bedroom and while I've seen second hand identical Bratz cats for sale on EBay for 50 shekels - mine only cost 5. 

I nearly forgot to tell you about the 5 shekel bins which Jenny regularly fills with slow moving items but…. my grandson's favorite T-shirt came from there and my granddaughter's elegant designer skirt too….

Of course, it's not all about shopping. Amongst the customers, some of us also like to discuss various topics - and have a gossip about our favorite soap, Eastenders.  No, no need to look down your nose, I said we all have needs….and we don't watch Big Brother!  Another benefit resulting from our informal chats is discovering new things such as classes and courses locally.  I had been looking for some time for a dance class; from Jenny I learned that one of her customers' dances regularly at a nearby center– and now I do too – cha cha cha!

Now, I imagine, you are beginning to understand my addiction and why I never cease to be amazed.... 

One would think that, with prices so low, shoplifters would not be a problem at Jenny's but, sadly, that is not the case.  Recently, while browsing, Jenny softly whispered to me, "the woman who just came in is a known thief, please keep an eye on her" and she also gave the nod to two other regulars….and so we continued our browsing. Suddenly, to my amazement since I hadn't noticed a thing, Jenny, cool, calm and efficient whipped up a bag from the counter saying "I think I must have put it in here by mistake" and swiftly retrieved two items abducted by sleight of hand.  I was flabbergasted – three of us were "watching" and failed miserably! What had happened, apparently, was that a "regular" customer had bought some things which were in a bag on the counter. Mrs. Shoplifter plucked a couple of things out of the 5 shekel bin, handed Jenny 10 shekels and popped her purchases into the other customer's bag – but Jenny was quicker than she was and discretely handled what could have been a very awkward situation ….

Did I mention that I work for a law firm dealing with infringing goods? This means, of course, that I have a good knowledge of how to check the real thing…So, if you notice me looking very glam and are wondering how a part-time secretary manages to afford such lovely things – well, I just let you into my secret.  I do hope it's safe with you.