How to combat falling donation value and revenues in charity retail
Charity retail is facing growing challenges in sustaining donation value and revenues, driven by the rapid rise of fast fashion and consumer-to-consumer platforms such as Vinted. These shifts have created new pressures on both stock acquisition and operational efficiency, alongside longstanding challenges in aligning shop engagement with e-commerce teams. Our discussion will explore the root causes of declining donation values and highlight practical strategies to combat this through maximizing sell-through rates and revenues across in-store and e-commerce, drawing on frameworks set out in the Charity Ecommerce Operating Manual.
We will also examine how innovation can offer a way forward. Listing Monster AI, already working with over 50 UK charities, has supported the sector in reducing unrealized revenues and unlocking greater value from donations through smarter pricing, channel optimization, automated merchandising, and optimized online marketplace listings. The manual provides a practical blueprint for applying these solutions, and together we will discuss how technology, alongside improved collaboration between retail teams, can help futureproof charity retail against these structural shifts.
