In the first week of trading since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, Save the Children charity shops saw profits rise by a third compared to the same week in 2019, taking a total of £132,000 in donations.

On Monday 12th April, the opening day for 47 of the charity’s shops, profits were up by a staggering 282% compared to the same day in 2019, as shoppers flocked to pick up bargains and support their local shops. The charity also saw a 41% increase in cash donations compared to 2019, with people having saved up their spare change throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.

The charity saw the biggest sales in its Primrose Hill, Teddington, Chiswick, Clapham and Bristol branches.

Members of the public were also quick to donate their pre-loved items – with the charity receiving a high number of suits and workwear items as people continue to mostly work from home.

All the money raised in Save the Children shops helps the charity continue its vital work for some of the world’s most vulnerable children, many of whom have been hit the hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ian Matthews, the Trading Director of Save the Children, told Charity Today:

“We are delighted to have many of our shops across the country open again and the response from the public has just been incredible.

“It had been a challenging year for charity shops, and we’ve had to change our focus in response to difficult trading conditions. Whilst we have seen a rise in online buying, there is nothing like getting people back in shops! The break allowed us to refurbish two shops, Totnes and Derby, which now have a new look as we move towards offering shoppers a more tailored shopping experience to their local area.

“We recognise that people are increasingly seeking more sustainable shopping opportunities and we’re delighted to see them looking to our stores to provide these environmentally friendly options. Thanks to the purchases made by the public, our shops play a huge role in allowing our work to continue around the world.”

Save the Children currently has 47 of its shops open, with the remaining 72 shops set to open their doors over the next six weeks.

To find out more about your local Save the Children store, including how to donate items or volunteer, visit https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/shop/community-charity-shops#reopening