News Campaigns October 9, 2025

Why people love working in charity retail

We asked people working in charity retail what they love most about their jobs, and the answers were full of energy, pride and purpose.

Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing short videos and quotes on our socials from people across the sector - talking about what makes charity retail such a special place to work.

These stories will highlight the people behind the retail operations that make a difference every single day.

Here are just a few of the reasons people told us they love what they do:

“You're not just running a shop, you're changing lives. Every donation is helping to fund vital hospice care. That's not just retail - that's retail with added meaning. It feels good knowing your hard work has a purpose that reaches far beyond the shop floor.”
- Head of Retail, hospice charity
"I've worked in retail for 35 years - mainly store management. Working for a charity allows me to use all my experience but directly benefit people with dementia or children and adults with learning difficulties. My role now feels vocational and its really rewarding. No two days are the same and I love working with our lovely volunteers"
- Deputy Manager, social care charity
“Every day is different. It is a challenge to maximise sales from the diverse range of donations we receive. Raising money for our charity at the same time as giving customer satisfaction and keeping items out of landfill has the feel good factor."
- Retail Lead, animal charity
“I love working in charity retail because it's where purpose meets people. I see every shop as a heartbeat of the local community- places where lives are changed, not just through the funds we raise, but through the opportunities we create. Our colleagues and volunteers are the soul of this mission. They bring localism to life, building relationships, supporting employability, and offering a welcoming space for everyone. It's more than retail - it's enterprise with empathy, and I'm proud to be part of it.”
- Director, employment charity

We’re celebrating the people who make this sector so special as part of our ongoing campaign to encourage more people to discover careers in charity retail.

Keep an eye on our social media channels this week to see more videos and stories - and if you’re feeling inspired, explore current opportunities on our careers page

Hiring?

To help more organisations find the right people, we’re offering a 20% discount on job adverts purchased until 24 October.

Use code CAREERS20 at checkout and help shine a light on the fantastic opportunities in charity retail.

Careers quote - It's different every day and you meet people from all walks of life.

Charity Retail Careers is kindly sponsored by

Rosterfy

The end-to-end volunteer management solution powering charities to grow and maximise impact

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