Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity and their shop in Knowle has a special place in the heart of community members. As part of the nomination process, they told a story of a shop that is more than a place to pick up a second hand bargain — it’s somewhere for people to come together, make new friends, and support an important cause.  

Ian Frise, Head of Retail at Marie Curie, said: 

“I am really proud of Rowan and the team in Knowle. They do truly represent everything Marie Curie stands for as a charity and it shows they are the heart of the community.” 

Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: 

“Congratulations to the team at Marie Curie. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the shop’s fantastic team and highlights the important role the shop plays in its local community. The Awards are a great way for people to show what charity shops mean to them, and we hope they will inspire more people to visit and support their local stores.” 

And the runners up were… 

Congratulations also to the 2025 runners up: The Cancer Research UK Boutique shop in Harpenden and the Save the Children Edinburgh shop.  

All 2025 area winners

Congratulations to all twelve charity shops that were crowned area winners. Learn more about them, below, and read some of the reasons the public shared for nominating them.  

East Midlands

🏆 Willow Wood Hospice, 12 High Street, West Glossop, SK13 8BH 

“This charity shop is so well presented, colour co-ordinated and the staff are so lovely. They are very reasonably priced, making it accessible to all – I go in four times a week.” 

“Everything is priced very reasonably; range of stock is really good. The staff are amazing; they can never do enough for you.”

East of England 

🏆 Cancer Research UK Boutique, 15 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2RT 

“Always have great storefront displays, staff are friendly and welcoming, and they host many events out of their way in the local community which help raise more money but also bring people together in the spirit of charity.” 

“Very friendly staff, great selection of affordable items which are constantly changing. A very well-presented shop with space to clearly assess what is available.  It is always a pleasure to visit as you are sure to find that ‘little gem’.”

London 

🏆 The Salvation Army - Sally in the Stow, 434 Forest Rd, London, E17 4PY 

“The prices are amazing, the stock turnover is fast, there is a great range of toys, a wonderful furniture store, fantastic window displays, along with lots of vintage clothing. You can even park outside to drop items off. What's not to like!” 

“The friendliness, the willingness to help, the community spirit and teamwork, and the extras they provide. You need to experience it to understand.”

North East 

🏆 RSPCA Sunderland, Hartlepool & South Tyneside, RSPCA Community Hub, 19 Front Street, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3BQ 

“The prices are always fair and affordable, the shop is tidy and beautifully laid out, and there's such a lovely boutique feel to the whole place.  But what makes it really special is the staff and volunteers, they're always welcoming, kind, and genuinely go the extra mile. Whether it's taking the time to chat, share a smile, or remembering something about you, they truly know their customers and make everyone feel valued.  It's not just a charity shop, it's a place where the community feels seen and supported.” 

"What truly sets it apart is its role as a community hub, offering not just retail therapy, but practical support and advice for local pet owners." 

Northern Ireland 

🏆 Save the Children, 5 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AA 

“Shop has a great selection of products both for children and adults. The funds raised from sales are used to help children in need in many countries around the world. Shop also runs free school uniform exchange which helps many local families with children.” 

“This shop is full of surprises and when I ask for something that I don't see on the shop floor the volunteers just tell me, 'One min please' and they try to find it in their sorting room. They do all possible and impossible to make me happy.”

North West

🏆 Moya Cole Hospice (formerly St Ann's Hospice), 23 Compstall Road, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4BT 

“The shop is bright, well set out, always with an attractive window. You would think that you were in a boutique, the quality of the items is fantastic. The volunteers are all so nice and courteous, it's a pleasure to shop there.” 

“Brilliant charity shop with lovely staff and volunteers. Beautiful window displays that are changed often to keep them fresh and interesting. Brilliant engaging social media presence too.”

Scotland 

🏆 Save the Children Edinburgh, Nicolson, 112 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9EJ 

“This charity shop is my favourite because there are always fabulous finds for gifts for friends. The staff and volunteers are welcoming and friendly, and I love the good tips and lovely conversations at the cash desk. The atmosphere is positive, and it's a great place to shop, donate, and connect with the community.” 

“This shop has a very different vibe. Everyone there is really helpful, whether you're just browsing or need help with something in the city, they're always happy to assist. I think that's so important for a charity shop: being a true community hub for everyone.”

South East 

🏆 Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, 4 Stanbridge Road, Haddenham, HP17 8JX 

“It's so so clean, you feel like you're in a boutique not a charity shop. Everyone is happy and always laughing. It's an afternoon out and we look forward to visiting every time.”  

“Top of the shops – welcoming, clean, tidy, helpful, accommodating. Fabulous staff both on the shop floor and behind the scenes!”

South West 

🏆 Hugs Children's Cancer Charity, Sugar Mill Retail Park, Plymouth, PL9 7HT 

“I think this charity shop stands out due to the charismatic and joyful nature this charity brings. The retail assistants who help support transactions, rotate stock and much more bring such a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere to the charity enabling no customer to leave unhappy.” 

“The staff are amazing, friendly and welcoming. The range of stock is fantastic and the prices are perfect for any item needed for the home, and especially anyone starting out in their first home.”

Wales 

🏆 Wales Air Ambulance, Unit 17 and 18, Cwmdu Industrial Estate, Carmarthen Road, Swansea, SA5 8JF 

“The Manager and volunteers are so helpful and friendly. They care a lot for their cause and work very hard to make it a success.” 

“The prices are very reasonable, they are very friendly and approachable, they are a very much needed charity, the staff greet their customers like friends.” 

West Midlands 

🏆 Marie Curie, 1650 High Street, Knowle, B93 0NA 

“My top favourite feature of this charity shop is the staff – so friendly and welcoming, but also so skilled in design and displays/windows. Eager to please and always helping people to find what they are looking for.” 

“I've never seen a charity shop like it!!!! So much care and effort goes into making the place run smoothly and there is always so much brilliant stock, displayed tastefully. I never go away without buying several items! The events they run are truly original and have something for everyone.”

Yorkshire and the Humber 

🏆 Barnsley Hospice, Retail Hub, Fall Bank Industrial Estate, Fall Bank, Barnsley, S75 3LS 

“The volunteers are amazing, always smiling and helpful and wanting to make your day better. The prices are very affordable and sometimes prices are dropped to help.” 

“The quality of the stock is absolutely fantastic with amazing prices. There is always a bargain to be had. The staff and volunteers are so lovely with the warmest of welcomes.”

Keep up to date with our travels as we present the awards here:

The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards on tour