What is a Charity Shop?
A charity shop (known as a thrift store in the US) is a retail shop run by a charitable organisation. These shops sell donated, pre-loved items - such as clothing, accessories, books, homeware, toys and sometimes furniture - to raise funds for their cause.
Charity shops combine affordable shopping with social impact: every purchase helps fund vital services and keeps usable items out of landfill.
Charity Shop Meaning
A charity shop is a retail shop operated by a charity that sells donated goods to raise money for its mission.
Donations come from members of the public, and profits support programmes such as medical research, community support, social services and environmental work.
Major Charity Shop Networks in the UK
The UK has one of the largest and most vibrant charity retail sectors in the world. Well-known national networks include:
British Heart Foundation (BHF) - funding heart and circulatory disease research
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) - supporting cancer research
Oxfam - tackling global poverty
Sue Ryder - providing palliative and neurological care
Mind - offering mental health support
Age UK - supporting older people across the UK
Many towns also have independent charity shops supporting hospices, animal rescues, community projects and local causes.
In the US, well-known equivalents include Goodwill and The Salvation Army.
What Charity Shops Sell
Stock varies from shop to shop, but most sell:
Clothing & accessories: Pre-loved fashion, shoes, bags and seasonal apparel.
Books, games & media: Novels, children's books, DVDs and vinyl.
Homeware: Glassware, decor, ceramics, kitchen items.
Toys & kids' items: Board games, puzzles and children's clothing.
Furniture (in larger charity shops): Wardrobes, sofas, beds and restored vintage items.
Because stock comes from public donations, every shop is unique - and many shoppers enjoy “the treasure hunt” experience of finding unexpected gems.
How Charity Shops Work
Charity shops follow a simple, sustainable model:
People donate pre-loved goods: Clothing, books, homeware and furniture are given directly to the shop or a donation centre.
Volunteers sort and prepare items: Teams check quality, clean items as needed and price them affordably.
Items are sold in the shop: Profits (after operating costs) go straight to the charity’s programmes.
Unsellable items are recycled or repurposed: Many shops work with textile recyclers to minimise waste.
The model is circular, community-driven and highly impactful.
Why Charity Shops Matter
Charity shops play an important role in the UK & Ireland across several areas:
Sustainability - They extend the life of used goods, reduce waste and support a circular fashion economy.
Affordability - Pre-loved shopping makes fashion and homeware accessible to all budgets.
Community Impact - They raise millions for charitable causes every year.
Volunteer Opportunities - Many offer training, skills development and social connection for volunteers.
Support for Local High Streets - Charity shops fill empty retail units, boost footfall and keep town centres vibrant.
Charity Shops vs Thrift Stores: Are They the Same?
In the UK, charity shop is the standard term. In the US and Canada, the equivalent is thrift store.
The core idea is the same: Both sell donated goods to support nonprofit missions.
What Can You Donate to a Charity Shop?
Commonly accepted items include:
Clothing and shoes
Bags and accessories
Books and media
Toys
Homeware
Small electronics (depending on the charity)
Some charity shops - especially furniture stores - accept:
Sofas
Tables
Beds
Wardrobes
Appliances (PAT-tested)
It's always best to check donation criteria first, as acceptance varies between charities and locations.
Where to Find Charity Shops Near You
Charity shops can be found in almost every town, village and high street across the UK & Ireland.
To discover charity shops near you: Open Ganddee to browse over 10,000 charity and second-hand shops, view opening hours, see donation acceptance, and plan your next thrifting trip.
FAQs About Charity Shops
Do charity shops only sell donated items?
Yes - most rely entirely on donations from the public, though some also sell new ethical goods or fair-trade products.
Are charity shop items clean?
Items are inspected before sale, and many shops steam-clean or prepare clothing before it goes onto the shop floor.
Can charity shops take every donation
Not always. Shops may refuse damaged items or things they cannot legally sell (certain electronics, safety equipment, mattresses without labels).
Do charity shop purchases really support the charity?
Yes - profits directly fund the charity's mission, after covering rent and operating costs.
Are charity shops sustainable?
Yes. They prevent tons of clothing and homeware from ending up in landfill and support a local circular economy.
Related Second-Hand Terms
Explore charity shops near you via our charity shop finder!