Both paid staff and volunteers are trained on issues related to retail (including health and safety) and on the charity itself, so that they understand what the organization works on and how to work safely in the store. Guidance is provided on sales techniques and visualization, as well as on safety and health and safety issues. The Charity Retail Association also offers a wide range of information and guidance to its members. In fact, charity stores help other businesses by filling empty retail spaces and taking shoppers to the main street.
Because they rely heavily on donated products, they don't sell things that compete directly with other stores. Charity stores account for around 3.5% of retail units in the United Kingdom. The history of charity shops seems to date back to wartime Britain, when several organizations began selling used items to raise charitable funds. In a classic charity store, members of the public donate things they no longer want and the store sells them.
As the products are free, they can be sold at a very low cost, which attracts the public and ensures fast billing. New products can also be sold at a charity store, or a mix of old and new products can be displayed. Charities must strike a balance between ensuring that their products are affordable for customers and raising money for their cause. NCVO, which represents charities, has created this site to answer some of the most common questions people have about how charities work.
