The Ultimate Guide to British Charity Shops (2024)

Do you ever shop in your local charity shops? Maybe you walk past and wonder what they’re all about. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place! 

In this post, you will find all the information you need about British charity shops.

charity shops

Looking for great deals while supporting good causes? Look no further than British charity shops! Whether you’re hunting for vintage clothing, searching for affordable prices on new goods, or eager to make a charitable contribution, charity shops have something for everyone.

Step into your local Salvation Army or British Heart Foundation shop, and you’ll find a curated collection of second-hand goods waiting to be re-homed. From vintage items to new, these stores offer a wide range of products at prices that won’t break the bank. And for those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, many charity shops now have online stores and eBay shops, making it easier than ever to shop for a cause. 

Whether you’re browsing for fashion finds or searching for unique vintage items, you can shop from the comfort of your own home while still making a charitable contribution. 

The Ultimate Guide to British Charity Shops

scope and british heart foundation

What is a charity shop?

A charity shop is a retail outlet that sells charitable donations and raises money for a specific charity. These stores mainly sell clothes, books, toys and smaller homeware items although the average charity shop now sells around 6% of new stock. They also provide many benefits for a community. These include allowing community members to purchase and donate preloved items for someone else to love whilst supporting a good cause.

Slow fashion shouldn’t be a privilege so why not enjoy a low-cost shopping experience whilst knowing you are shopping sustainably? The best combo!

How do charity shops work?  

The charity retail sector provides over 24,000 jobs in the UK and most charity shops now employ a shop manager. Around 70% of these managers are from the local area providing stable, local jobs.

Over 234,000 volunteers help at charity shops nationwide to sort and sell stock. Depending on the size of the store some run entirely with the help of volunteers although some larger stores need to employ area and regional managers too.

They also rent their premises like every other business and still have to pay bills like everyone else. However, profits fund the charity work so they don’t have to pay VAT on donated goods.

why do people use charity shops

Why shop at charity shops?

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to the climate and ecological crisis. It relies on nature and fossil fuels, pollutes the environment and produces extreme amounts of waste. The fast fashion industry as we know it has been built on a model of overproduction and consumption and many employees are forced to work in unsafe conditions, face harassment and are extremely underpaid.

With rising concerns and increased awareness of the climate crisis and ethical costs of the fashion industry, secondhand retail has become increasingly popular. This includes the increased number of charity shoppers, vintage stores and fashion resellers. Charity shopping is now one of the top ways to shop sustainably! 

By shopping secondhand, you’re not only getting a good deal for yourself, but you’re also giving back to your community. Your purchases support charitable causes like adult rehabilitation centres and local community initiatives, making a positive impact on those in need. 

What makes a good charity shop?

A good shop is well-organised, clean and has a wide variety of items that are in good condition.

Some other factors include:

Well-trained and friendly staff

Staff who are knowledgeable about their store are so valuable when shopping secondhand.

A wide variety of items

A charity shop with a diverse selection of items including clothes, books, household items furniture, electronics and more will allow customers to find what they are looking for.

Items in great condition

Items sold should have minimal damage and wear.

Affordable prices

Charity shops should offer items at a reasonable price, this will help to attract more customers and support the cause they are raising funds for.

Good location and opening hours

A charity shop that is easily accessible with convenient opening hours will make it more likely for customers to visit and shop.

A clear and effective online presence

The world we live in is digital, a charity shop that has an effective online presence, such as an online store or social media account, helps to attract more customers and promote their cause. 

I can find most on Instagram now and enjoy following their most recent content.

Charity shopping online

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also paved the way for sustainable influencers. Providing a platform to show off their love for secondhand shopping. Sought-after videos for ‘charity shop hauls’ and the like are becoming increasingly popular with young people. 

Check out 11 BEST CHARITY SHOP TIPS FOR SHOPPING SECONDHAND for my 5 favourite charity shop influencers!

what products do charity shops sell?

What products do charity shops sell? 

A lot of shops receive their stock from donations brought into stores by local community members. Some also offer a collection service which makes it easier for those unable to physically get into the store.

The products range from vintage, clothing, toys, books, homeware and even furniture. Each store has different product policies so I recommend contacting your local store and finding out what they do/do not accept before making your donations.

Make sure to wash and check garments before they are donated as most stores do not have washing facilities and unwashed clothes are sent to textile recycling banks.

What happens to unsold clothes in charity shops?

I used to think all of the donations that were made to charity shops were sold in-store but that isn’t the case. Good quality, washed clothing is much appreciated by charity shops but not all donations arrive in a suitable, sellable condition. Unsuitable clothing donations will be sold to textile merchants to be recycled. But even the items in good condition don’t always sell.

Oxfam says more than 70% of clothing donated globally will end up being sold to buyers in developing economies.

For more information about the clothing which isn’t sold in-store and is sent overseas check out my post WHAT IS SECONDHAND FASHION? AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

overconsumption of clothes

What should you do with clothes that are not suitable for charity shops?

If you have clothes that are not suitable for charity shops, you could try upcycling them into new items for your wardrobe. Giving your old clothes a new life is a great addition to a sustainable wardrobe.

Take items with holes in or in generally poor condition to a local recycling facility but research your local facility first to see if they have a textiles recycling department.

Items such as underwear and bras can be recycled in the most imaginative ways, for more information read this post WHAT TO DO WITH OLD UNDERWEAR: A SIMPLE SOLUTION.

Which is the best town for charity shops in the UK?

Newcastle-upon-Tyne has the most charity shops per capita in the UK. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best place to shop.

It depends on what exactly you are looking for in a charity shop. I know from my research that people have unique ideas of what makes a charity shop worth visiting, from a dedicated children’s section to designer brands and vintage items.

Everyone is searching for something different.

Check out the top destinations for charity shops.

Where can I get a charity shop gift card?

By choosing to shop secondhand you are becoming part of the circular economy and making those small steps for sustainability and our planet. The charity shop gift card boasts bringing conscious, sustainable shopping to the high street.

I couldn’t agree more, what a marvellous idea!

The gift card can be used in multiple charity shops nationwide. Find your nearest store here!

Get your gift card here!

I will be visiting different towns in the UK and checking out their stores. I’ll let you know what they all have to offer!

You may be interested in the 5 BEST CHARITY SHOPS IN ALTRINCHAM.

cancer research uk

The Ultimate Guide to British Charity Shops

Give it a go! You’ll love it!

Related posts you will also love:

5 BEST CHARITY SHOPS IN ALTRINCHAM

11 BEST CHARITY SHOP TIPS FOR SHOPPING SECONDHAND

35 BEST PLACES TO RECYCLE OLD CLOTHING AND TEXTILES

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