Our recent survey of 57 charity retail professionals across the UK captured voices from every level of the sector. Respondents worked for a wide range of charities, including hospices, children’s charities, animal welfare organisations, and national names. Locations spanned across the country - from London to Glasgow - highlighting the widespread impact of charity retail. Many spoke about the sense of purpose their roles provide, from supporting local families to funding vital care.
As one respondent said during the ‘I love working in charity retail because’ campaign, “We’re changing lives one garment at a time.”
Building on that sentiment, the main themes to emerge from our survey were…
Variety, creativity, innovation
Charity retail offers unique opportunities to flex creativity and problem-solving skills. Those surveyed described curating displays, experimenting with merchandise, and finding innovative ways to transform everyday donations into valuable resources for their charity.
One manager reflected, “Charity retail is where creativity, community, and purpose all hang out together.”
This quote perfectly captured the spirit of our campaign, showcasing why people love working in this sector!
Teamwork and community
Teams and volunteers are at the heart of charity retail. Many respondents noted the joy of working in tight-knit teams and the connection they share with local communities. Charity shops are more than places to buy and donate - they are hubs where people come together, demonstrating exactly why so many said, “I love working in charity retail because I feel part of my community.”
Sustainability
A recurring theme was pride in contributing to sustainability through recycling and reusing items. This combination of environmental impact and social good makes charity retail a career with heart - one of the most common reasons shared in our ‘I love working in charity retail because’ campaign.
Working in charity retail survey 2025 – by the numbers
57 amazing professionals shared their thoughts across the UK
Roles: From Shop Assistants → Area Managers → Retail Operations → Heads of Retail & Directors
Charities represented: 40+ including hospices, children’s charities, animal welfare organisations, and national names like Oxfam & Barnardo’s
Locations: London, Cornwall, Surrey, Glasgow, Plymouth, Leeds, Nottingham, Bath, Cheltenham, Essex, Boston, Lincoln, Hove, Middlesbrough, Stafford, Winchester, and more!
Experience levels:
<6 months: 9% ⏳
6–12 months: 9% ⏳
1–3 years: 32% 📈
3–5 years: 11% 📊
5–10 years: 18% 🌟
10+ years: 21% 🏆
💬 Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey!
A special thank-you to those who agreed to be recorded or interviewed; your voices were at the heart of our ‘I love working in charity retail because’ campaign and helped show the real people behind charity retail.
As our campaign draws to a close, it’s clear that charity retail is more than just a job - it’s a community, a creative space, and a pathway to make a real difference. With opportunities for newcomers and experienced professionals alike, charity retail offers both a gateway into a rewarding career and a long-term vocation for those who love what they do.
Visit our careers page - https://charityretail.org.uk/jobs
