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Thriving charity shops: how charities and their volunteers are revitalising the high street

Charity shops are emerging as a beacon of resilience on the high street. While traditional retailers grapple with closures and falling sales, charity shops are not only surviving but thriving. With rising consumer interest in sustainable shopping and vintage finds, these stores have become a go-to destination for shoppers seeking both bargains and environmental impact.

Recent data from the Charity Retail Association highlights this trend, showing that charity shop income grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2024, with the average transaction value rising by 4.2%. As a result, nearly half of charities surveyed by the British Retail Consortium plan to expand their retail footprint this year, bringing a pressing need for even more dedicated volunteers.

3 minutes

by James Vjestica

Thought Leadership Expert

Posted 10/12/2024

How technology is transforming volunteer management

For many charities, volunteers are the lifeblood of their retail operations. Managing this workforce effectively—covering rotas, communication, stock coordination, and training—is critical to ensuring shops run smoothly. Increasingly, technology is providing the tools to streamline these processes, making it easier to recruit, retain, and engage volunteers.

One standout example is Dorothy House Hospice Care, a charity with 27 retail outlets supporting its compassionate care services. By adopting Access Assemble, Dorothy House has revolutionised its approach to volunteer management. The introduction of QR codes for easy application access and automated data input transformed their recruitment process, enabling quicker onboarding and better communication with their 721 volunteers.

Rachel Stewart, Volunteer Manager at Dorothy House, explains the impact:

“Using QR codes encouraged many younger volunteers to apply instantly through their phones. Their experience with Assemble is much slicker and quicker, making it a positive experience for everyone involved.”

This approach has seen a 2.5% increase in volunteers aged under 45, showcasing how modern, digital solutions can attract a more diverse volunteer base.

Volunteers at the heart of the community

Charity shops do more than generate vital income; they foster a sense of community and offer volunteers a chance to give back. The Charity Retail Association’s recent report on social value found that charity shop volunteers experience greater wellbeing, increased self-confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Top outcomes cited by volunteers include:

  • Feeling that I am giving back to others
  • Feeling part of a community
  • More self-confidence

Such findings underscore the importance of creating positive and rewarding experiences for volunteers, which in turn drives the success of charity shops.

Preparing for the future

While charity shops are thriving now, maintaining this momentum will require continuous investment in volunteer management and adaptation to future challenges. Technology like Access Assemble empowers charities to centralise operations, simplify processes, and enhance volunteer engagement. From coordinating rotas and delivering training to fostering communication and celebrating achievements, the platform helps charities maximise the potential of their retail teams.

As Robin Osterley, CEO of the Charity Retail Association, says:

“Good volunteer management is crucial to ensuring that shops continue to operate effectively and that volunteers feel valued and confident in their roles.”

With the right tools in place, charities can sustain the growth of their shops, even as trends shift, ensuring a lasting impact on their communities.

How Access Not-For-Profit supports your mission

At Access Not-For-Profit, we help charities attract, manage, and engage their volunteers through tailored technology solutions. From CRM and volunteer management systems to digital advertising and donation processing, our cloud-based tools simplify operations while delivering measurable results.

For organisations looking to enhance their retail operations, Access Assemble provides a powerful platform to streamline recruitment, boost volunteer satisfaction, and drive retail success. Learn more about Access Assemble here.

With Access, you can ensure your charity shops and volunteers thrive—today and into the future.

By James Vjestica

Thought Leadership Expert

Meet James Vjestica, our ‘Digital Content Manager’ for the Not For Profit division. James has spent over 5 years working with software providers who supply specialist solutions that enhance the processes of organisations within niche sectors.

In addition to his technical experience, James has been affiliated with the Not For Profit sector at key stages of his career. This has included participating in a voluntary role at a local hospice prior to attending University, and upon graduating, accepting a role for a Social Enterprise in North Nottingham that supported members of the community to gain employment.

These roles highlighted the importance that organisations within the Not For Profit sector play, which has since inspired him to raise money for charity on several occasions.

At Access, James now draws on these experiences to consistently strategise content campaigns that will guide you through insightful journeys; clearly outlining pain points, how these obstacles can be tackled, and introducing viable solutions.