In 2023, I thought a lot about charity shops

Published on 17 December 2023

I have to confess that I'm addicted to charity shops, and the thrill of finding a unique, wearable wonder at a bargain price is the driving force behind this addiction. I find it almost impossible to walk past a charity shop without stepping over the threshold to scan the rails and shelves. There's definitely an adrenaline rush when I spot an absolute gem and snap it up.

The ruthless pursuit of my prey in 2023 has been rewarding. Top buys are a brand new Clements Ribeiro 100% cashmere jumper for £6 (£300 online) and still in its cardboard box, a new pair of boots from Will's Vegan Shoes collection for £15 (£95 online).

My haul also includes plenty of pre-loved clothes such as a much admired fake fur jacket with a label declaring its Parisian origins. I spent much of this summer in a trio of midi-dresses: one M&S, one Next and one Fat Face. They're all great quality and cost about £7.50 each. And ready for a Christmas outing is my vintage navy sequinned jacket which I last wore to add sparkle to an outfit at a stylish wedding during 2022's festive season.

This year I’ve wondered how often I’d trek into my nearest town without the attraction of its numerous charity shops. Not nearly so much! As traditional retail outlets disappear, the arrival of charity shops in town centres help keep our high streets populated and busy. Although my motives in heading there are mostly selfish, I’m also whole-heartedly committed to recycling and helping good causes. And the good news is: so are many others.

There are about 10,200 charity shops in the UK raising over £363 million a year. Big business indeed.

The charity retail sector provides over 26,000 UK jobs and more than 187,000 people volunteer in its shops nationwide. Some volunteers simply want to make good use of their spare time by contributing to a worthwhile cause; some want to boost their confidence and employability skills; some may be there to combat social isolation and loneliness. The positive impact on mental health is a bonus for many.

There's a positive impact on the environment too. It's estimated that charity shops divert around 339,000 tonnes of textiles from landfill or incineration every year saving local authorities at least £31 million in waste disposal charges. And the chances are that those who regularly shop in charity shops also donate to them.

For me, limited wardrobe space means that a regular cull is called for and at the moment a large bag is gradually filling with donations. It can be difficult to make the decision to let them go but I'll hand them over with an inner glow of satisfaction.

My top fundraising donation to a charity shop is a sofa that sold for £100 and my most expensive purchase, a sturdy wooden bookcase costing £70. Star buys mentioned by friends include a bedroom suite, packs of new wool, a Crombie overcoat, Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, a dining table set, evening dresses and books. One friend found and recovered a missing family heirloom that had ended up in a charity shop.

About five years ago a charity shop opened up in the village where I live. With the help of an assistant and 23 part-time volunteers, the manager runs it with skills honed during a 40-year career in retail and says that this is the most enjoyable job she's ever had.

The regularly refreshed stock is displayed as beautifully as in any up-market boutique and the welcoming atmosphere attracts a constant stream of visitors dropping off donations or popping in for a browse around. Our charity shop has become a social hub and a valuable part of village life.

It's one of a network of over 20 shops raising funds for a hospice based in the nearby city.

It costs £30,000 a day to keep the hospice's vital services running and last year its retail business contributed almost £900,000. The NHS pays 27% of running costs but the rest is raised in the local communities it serves.

Last year the hospice helped 4,460 local people facing incurable illness and bereavement providing support where and when needed, whether at home, at the hospice or over the phone through its 24/7 advice line.

In addition to paid staff, the charity currently has 829 volunteers, 608 of whom work in the retail team in shops, e-commerce and its donation centre. Many of these hard-working individuals volunteer because they want to give something back to the hospice that has supported them and their loved ones through heartbreaking times. “I want to help the hospice be there for other families, like it was for us,” said one. “You never get over losing someone close to you but working here helps.”

Their provision of financial support is undeniably important but the value of charity shops goes far beyond the hundreds of millions of pounds they raise.

Sources

National statistics: Charity Retail Association 

Local figures and comments: St Helena Hospice, Colchester.