Web Watch: Virtual markets and gift stores

1. ACHICA: You have to register for this site, but it’s very quick and worth it to coo over the high-end brands with up to 70% off.

From the brain of Quentin Griffiths, the guy who co-founded Asos.com, the members-only luxury lifestyle store is a clever idea. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, an online sale begins across a huge range of categories and designers. I like how they tell you the RRP too.

* www.achica.com

2. JUMBLE TOWN: This is a virtual market place for anyone looking to give away and/or get their hands on free stuff. It’s a simple idea and promotes the practice of ‘life-cycling’, which is all about ensuring that the life-cycle of an item is completed before it is discarded. So good for the environment and the price is right. When I clicked on, there was everything from a gas BBQ to a leatherette 1970s suite of furniture. Yikes.

* www.jumbletown.ie

3. GORGEOUS: This website says it wants to give you something special that you just won’t find anywhere else. It’s a gift store based in Co Kilkenny, the brain child of interior designer Milo FitzGerald. The blog isn’t bad, the interiors section is fabulous, look at the residential gallery to get an idea of the style. The shop has very unusual pieces, showcasing brands like Five Dollar Shake and Miho Unexpected things.

* www.gorgeousgiftsandinteriors.com