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Charity shops in the UK closed with most of the economy in March, as the country strove to tackle the devastating effects of COVID-19. Now, three months later, the Government is reopening parts of the economy, despite continuing cases and a bleak picture from other countries. Part of the latest easement comes into effect today, as the UK allows non-essential retail to open for the general public.

Are charity shops open yet?

Charity shops, like their other retail counterparts, were deemed “non-essential” during the UK lockdown due to their lack of essential supplies such as food or pharmaceuticals.

Some stores reopened with the rest of the industry today, with Oxfam revealing they have opened 10, with more to come in the next two weeks.

Others, such as Barnado’s, will follow their example, but strict measures will apply to any impending donations or visits.

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Per the Government’s social distancing rules, any reopening stores will have to provide a safe environment for customers.

Incoming measures may influence the number of people entering a shop at any one time, as well as how they move around.

Government rules will also impact the way shops receive donations.

Currently, much like travel, any incoming donations will have to undergo quarantine.

Stores will hold items for 72 hours before sorting and displaying them.

Shop owners are now expecting an influx of items due to COVID-19, with people having cleared out their homes during the lockdown.

While a good thing, it has led some organisations to urge caution for people donating, with some locations potentially unable to handle the excess.

Barnardo’s has asked people to call ahead before visiting to make sure workers can accommodate their items.

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Although donations may pose a hurdle, Oxfam said post-lockdown charity shopping will provide an “exciting shopping experience”.

Fee Gilfeather, head of audience and strategic planning at Oxfam, told the Daily Telegraph charity shops would reap the benefits from people’s “lockdown clear out”.

She said: “From a shopper perspective I think that people can expect to find some really great treasures to buy, because everybody’s had a lockdown clear-out, and I think that charity shops are going to be full of some really great gems that people have cleared out of their homes.”

Oxfam has now issued a call to action for volunteers, as they expect demand may put a strain on existing helpers, many of whom may be retirees who still need to shield.

Ms Gilfeather has called for teenagers to enlist in their place, especially with school having finished more than a month early.

She said: “We are calling for more volunteers to help us get our shops back up and running, people can register their interest online.

“For many, volunteering is a chance to grow skills and confidence, which is a great opportunity for younger people while schools and colleges are temporarily closed.

“Oxfam has also joined the Charity Retail Association and National Citizen Service scheme to provide young people aged 16-17 with volunteering opportunities to help fill the gaps in charity shops, due to the coronavirus pandemic.”

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