We are the UK trade association for charity shops
The charity shop sector generates more than £387m surplus funds per year from more than a billion pounds of turnover, and harnesses the skills of more than 187,200 volunteers nationwide. Charity retail promotes charitable causes and an environmentally sustainable retail experience.
Our UK members run over 8600 shops between them.
Charity Retail Association Strategic Plan 2024-2027: ‘From Strength to Strength’
Our VISION
A sustainable, inclusive and trusted charity retail sector, successfully supporting the causes it serves.
Our PURPOSE
To lead and support the charity retail sector, inspiring everyone to be involved and understand its
social, environmental and economic value in a changing world.
Our VALUES
- Integrity
- Inclusivity
- Sustainability
- Support
- Innovation & leadership
- Collaboration
Our OBJECTIVES
- Lead positive change for charity retail
- Accelerate the growth of reuse and wider sustainability initiatives
- Unite, connect and support the charity retail sector to grow and succeed
- Be the recognised authority for insights into charity retail
- Raise the profile of charity retail
- Ensure the CRA has robust and ethical incomes streams to enable the above objectives
Get more detail on our strategy in our strategic plan 2024-2027: From Strength to Strength.
What the Charity Retail Association does
- Lobby on key issues including Gift Aid, waste charging, sustainability and donated stock supply
- Provide a sense of community and collaboration through a comprehensive schedule of events
- Promote best practice through policy guidance, mentoring and other practical resources
- Increase public support for charity retail through campaigns and media work
- Carry out and commission research
- Provide training and learning opportunities