Charity shop

Charity shops (aka thrift stores in the US), are retail shops run by charitable organizations that sell donated goods to raise funds for their causes.

In the UK, major charity shop networks include British Heart Foundation (BHF), Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Oxfam, Sue Ryder, Mind, and Age UK. These shops accept donations of pre-loved clothing, accessories, books, homeware, and sometimes furniture from the public, then sell these items at discounted prices. The profits support various charitable missions - for instance, BHF funds heart disease research, while CRUK supports cancer research initiatives. Salvation Army and Goodwill are well-known examples in the US.

Beyond their fundraising role, charity shops play a crucial part in promoting sustainable consumption by extending the life of used goods and making fashion more accessible to all budgets. They also often provide volunteer opportunities and job training programs for their local communities.