We’ve always loved getting hold of the latest Charity Retail Association Quarterly Market Analysis, and this quarter has shown us some positives – but some challenges too.

Charity retailers work SO HARD and deserve more than a quarterly sales decline of 0.3% – it’s great to see the volume of stock donations up but when the quality is poorer and rag prices are so low, we have to work smarter to keep the bottom line protected. After all, the contribution retail makes to all those amazing charities is one of the keystones of a caring society

The bottom line is that these are tough times for charity and commercial retail. We see it all the time. In the last couple of months, we’ve wandered down the charity shop streets of Cambridge, Rochdale, Oban, Carlisle, Leeds, Harrogate, Glasgow, Fakenham and Wakefield, and it’s a similar picture wherever we go – empty shop units, more low-priced than quality stores, fewer vibrant and busy high streets, and worried looking retailers.

But, despite the struggles of our high street retail, we must stay hopeful.  Here at The Charity Retail Consultancy, we’ve seen these peaks and troughs before, and we know that for those who are finding it hard, the better times will return. Until then, we’ve got to ensure we:

• Get the basics right – the customer service, the pricing, the stock selection, VM and presentation – all of it and all of the time!
• Surprise and delight your customers with promotions, sales, events (are you ready for World Book Day on 6th March, International Women’s Day on 8^th March, Record Store Day on 12^th April?)
• Highlight the great work your charity does in the windows and instore – customers and stock donors are increasingly interested in supporting ethical impactful shops, so put yourself in their shoes to make sure you are their chosen shop.
• Tell your amazing stories! About your charity, your people and your donations – use social media to engage and inspire your community.
• Remind customers that charity shops are The Most Sustainable retailers out there – choose simple strong messages to make them want to shop from and donate to your shops
• Keep staff and volunteer morale high via positive 2-way communication, regular shop visits, rewarding success and sharing how retail makes a positive contribution to the charity’s work
• Use our free resources to share good practice… Have you seen the great videos on our YouTube channel ? Do you share our free resources on our Charity Retail Consultancy and Charity Retail Learning websites with your teams?  There’s lots on the Charity Retail Association site too! Try something new
• Invest in your team so they can be the best version of their wonderful selves. Did you know it costs from just £252 (+ VAT) per year for everyone (staff and volunteers) in a shop team to benefit from our 40+ highly rated Charity Retail Learning online courses and live webinars?

Finally, make sure you take part in the next QMA – the more we share as a sector, the more we all benefit. You can access it from 31th March via the CRA Research page

Read the full QMA here

The Charity Retail Consultancy is proud to sponsor and support the CRA research programme

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