By Keeley Hussain
Charity shops across Leicester are continuing to face the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, suffering a notable fall in both the donations and customer numbers.
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, which operates 27 charity shops across the region, said pedestrian flow has declined since the pandemic with the quality of donated stock worsening.
This leaves the charity running below its usual income levels, putting further pressure on local fundraising efforts.
”There has been a definite change since the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis,” said Tony Donovan, CEO of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.
“All the analysis we have done indicates pedestrian flow is slightly down, the quality of donated stock not as good as pre-pandemic, meaning that the charity is well down on its budget.”
The decline is not limited to Leicester.
Mr Donovan explained that national organisations have also been affected.
“Scope made a decision some months ago to close 77 shops and Cancer Research closed 200 shops,” he said. “We also know the British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, and a number of other charities are considering doing the same.”
As living costs continue to shape spending habits, some people are turning to alternative ways of making money.
“A number of national and local charities are also closing down their eBay operation, primarily because over the last two to three years, individuals have learnt to sell their belongings rather than donate them and are doing this to help manage the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
Despite these challenges, charity shops are still a valuable resource within communities, both as affordable shopping options and as support hubs for older residents.
Mr Donovan highlighted that the shops offer more than second-hand goods.
”What I like most about the shops is that they act as information and advice points for local older people and very importantly raise money that the charity can put into supporting service provision,” he said.
The shops sell a wide range of items, with a bric-a-brac and clothing among the best sellers.
All money raised through the charity’s stores is used to support those services that have become even more vital during difficult economic circumstances.
