Covid-19: Our Charity Shops

When the pandemic hit us in March 2020 no one knew what to expect. What we did know as a charity is, we would have to adapt and work with the resources we had. At this time, Teesside Hospice had 11 charity shops operating which all had to be shut as went into the first of three lockdowns which affected us for the majority of 2020 and part way into 2021.

Staff were furloughed and volunteers were unable to help due to the shops being closed or shielding. Luckily, throughout the pandemic we were helped by funding from the NHS and the government, although this was one off it did allow us to show the importance of hospice care within the local area. We were the only hospice with specialist palliative care open throughout the whole pandemic, but this also needed funding.

As we moved through the lockdown we made use of our amazing online ebay store, which increased week on week to continue to provide hidden gems to the public as they searched the web from the comfort of their homes, and provided essential funding for the hospice to provide the care needed for the local people of Teesside.

Since the return of charity shops, we have continued to see an increase in sales. Our charity shops have come back bigger and better. Since re-opening on the 12^th April, sales have increased 119% as the same period in 2019/20 financial year. With the online team also continuing to see an increase, accounting for £20,000 of this. We have now also adapted our services onto other platforms such as depop, which allows us to sell class as high quality clothing, on as easy to use, reliable site, that allows you to be inspired by others and yourself.

Depop

Ebay

It’s been amazing to see how the people of Teesside have come together over the last couple of months to support their local charities, and not only are they supporting the us, but supporting a better environment for the future. “It is quite fashionable now to up-scale clothes, to recycle clothes. It’s really on trend now. We’re finding in the shops now that in the shops, we have a younger clientele and they are really excited by what they can find” Cheryl Mortlock, Charity Shop Cluster Manager. On average, charity shops are able to reuse or recycle more than 90% of donated clothing, over 90% of donated books and 85% of electrical goods (charityretail.org).

“I was able to purchase goods and home furnishings with ease at a fraction of the original retail price whilst still shopping locally. The range and condition of the items for sale within the shop at Marske allowed this to be achieved to a high standard and (with the adage of the loyalty points scheme offered) I was able to take advantage of further discount on additional items to help create a beautiful home for a member of the community. I am extremely grateful to Margaret and her team who helped to achieve this by facilitating reservations, payment and delivery; leg work also being provided by the manageress herself when loading the items purchased. A big thank you goes to you all, your dedication and commitment to go 'above and beyond' certainly makes Marske’s Teesside Hospice shop a valuable asset at the heart of this community” Teesside Hospice Charity Shop Supporter.

Due to the increase in sales, we are finding we are in urgent need for more donations. Therefore, if you’re having a clear out or looking to make some space, why not donate any unwanted goods to Teesside Hospice.

What we accept

You can bring them down to one of our local charity shops or if you have larger items we do also provide a no charge collection service. If you have any furniture you want picking up, please just call 01642 811140 or you can book a collection online here. It’s always worth checking in with your local charity shop to see if they can take your used goods. Please do not be offended if we are unable to, this can be because of a number of reasons.

References

https://www.charityretail.org.uk/charity-shops-the-environment/