Charity Shop Closures & The Rise of Reselling Platforms
You may be aware that notable charity shops are closing across the UK – the British Heart Foundation are closing 150 shops and Cancer Research will be closing 90 shops – due to rising energy costs and changing consumer habits. Less people are shopping in person and more people are using online resale platforms like Vinted and Depop.
Amazon commissioned research into the UK’s secondhand market, finding that in 2025 it was worth a whopping £4.8 billion! However, the Charities Aid Foundation has found that charitable giving is down by £1.4 billion. Compared to the last decade, donating to charity is down by 61%, with less than half of people now giving their money, items, or time to charity. Giving habits have changed where donating to charity is no longer a cultural norm, as people feel that either they can’t afford to donate, or simply don’t want to.
Become A Charity Shop Champion!
If we want to see charity shops (including ours) remain open, and if we want our communities to continue to benefit from the projects the charity shops fund, then we have to become committed charity champions. It’s ironic that In the face of recession, charities are needed now more than ever yet are struggling to get funding.
So, how can you become a charity champion for Renewal North West? And how much is it going to cost you?
Support us for FREE
- Become a Volunteer! If you have specialist skills e.g. sewing machine repair, electronics, upcycling and DIY, food preparation, we’d be especially appreciative of your time.
- Donate good-quality items to be sold in our showroom and online.
- Donate unwanted computer technology to Community Computers.
Support us affordably
- Book in a house clearance with Stockport House Clearances
- Buy clothing, bric-a-brac, furniture, and electronic appliances in our showroom.
- Shop our catalogue on eBay, Vinted, and Depop (search renewalnorthwest).
- Visit our cafe, for fresh food & local coffee.
- Become a Hope Giver and make a one-off or monthly donation.
Helping Others, Just Like The Early Church
All the proceeds go to supporting those experiencing long-term unemployment, homelessness, addiction, and to support previous offenders in their rehabilitation, saving the tax-payer £4 million in costs incurred from reoffending.
Widespread financial struggle can either tear society apart with everyone concerned only for themselves, or we can band together to support each other. Let us follow the example of the early church, to be “one heart and soul”. “No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” (Acts 4:32)
