The Charity Shop Chat

In this episode, Mimi and Charlotte sit down with charity retail leader Lauren Davies, to explore the many routes a career in this sector can take. From her work as a shop manager to a role at the forefront of sector innovation, Lauren's story is a powerful reminder that there's no single path to success in charity retail.Together, they unpack the skills and strategies that help people thrive, whether you're running a bustling high street shop, building a volunteer team, or eyeing your next step into leadership. Lauren opens up about community engagement, what great leadership really looks like on the ground, and the genuine difference charity shops make in people's lives.If you work in charity retail, volunteer in a shop, or simply love the world of secondhand, this episode is packed with honest stories and practical takeaways to help you grow in the sector.

Charity retail is built on dedication, leadership and the quiet commitment of people who show up year after year. In this episode of Charity Shop Chat, we’re joined by Vicki Burnett, Senior Consultant at The Charity Retail Consultancy and former Chair of the Charity Retail Association board, to reflect on more than 30 years in the sector. We explore what charity retail must protect, where it needs to be bolder, and what the next chapter of national leadership means for its future. A thoughtful conversation about legacy, responsibility and shaping what comes next.

Join Charlotte and Mimi this week as they chat with Renata Graver, Director of Community and Retail at Shaw Trust and also a Senior Sponsor for the Race Equality Network. We explore the realities of charity retail in 2026, combining margins with mission, and how inclusion and representation can transform shop teams and communities. An insightful episode for anyone working in or passionate about charity retail.

Hospice shops are places where everyday retail meets deep human emotion. In this episode, Mimi and Charlotte sit down with hospice shop managers to share the touching stories behind the till, moments of compassion and community that make hospice retail so unique. From meaningful donor encounters to the pride and purpose found on the shop floor, this conversation reveals the true heart of hospice shops and the vital role they play in supporting care, sustainability, and local communities.

In this episode, Charlotte and Mimi sit down with retail powerhouse and Drapers Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jan Marchant. From her early days at Topshop to transforming Tesco’s F&F into a market-leading brand, Jan shares lessons in leadership, innovation and compassion. Together, they explore the future of circularity, the evolving role of charity retail, and the big question at the heart of the conversation: can everyone win? Packed with insight, inspiration and practical takeaways, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about retail, reuse and the changing world of fashion.

In this episode of Charity Shop Chat, we explore what charity retail can learn from the world of shopper marketing. Joined by retail specialists Catherine Shuttleworth and Ella Baynes from Savvy Marketing, we unpack how insight and human behaviour influence buying decisions at the point of purchase. From competing in a crowded retail landscape to using data and digital, the conversation challenges charity retailers to think about their shoppers and design experiences that truly connect and create impact on the shop floor. Most importantly, we discuss the value of stepping outside our sector’s echo chamber to gain fresh perspectives from retail experts.

In this episode, we’re joined by Steph Edusei, CEO of St Oswald's Hospice in the North East, to explore what charity retail really needs from senior leadership. From how CEOs can better support and champion retail teams, to why retail leaders are often overlooked for Director of Income Generation roles, we unpack leadership, governance, and strategy. We also discuss managing trading boards and committees without slipping into micromanagement, and why equality, diversity and inclusion must sit at the heart of modern charity retail. Essential listening for CEOs, trustees, and senior retail professionals.

In this episode, we’re joined by Daniel Franzmann from Fight For Sight to explore how their charity shops are reimagining volunteer recruitment through storytelling and social media. We discuss using Instagram as a recruitment tool, showing the human and diverse side of volunteering, and creating inclusive, flexible opportunities that build strong local communities. Daniel also shares insights into Fight For Sight’s ambitious plans to open new shops and grow their retail impact.

In today’s conversation, we speak to Natasha, Head of Retail at St George’s Crypt, about the transformative power of charity retail beyond the shop floor, particularly the partnership between the Crypt and HMP Newhall.We explore how charity shops can create meaningful opportunities, including projects like upcycling furniture, and why looking beyond past convictions is so important in offering genuine second chances. This episode highlights how initiatives like these not only support individuals to rebuild their lives, but also contribute to sustainability and stronger communities. It’s a conversation about second chances, and how purpose led retail can genuinely change lives.

In this episode, we’re joined by Becky from @beckysbazaar to explore how preloved fashion influencers can drive real impact in charity retail. From fair pricing and storytelling to social media, online selling, and creator collaborations, we unpack what makes charity shops feel welcoming, trustworthy, and relevant. Packed with practical insights, this conversation highlights how social media and creativity can elevate charity retail's takings.The conversation covers the impact of social media on charity shops, the challenges they face, the role of photography in online selling, the resurgence of Pinterest, advice for charities starting online reselling, exploring Whatnot and online auctions, collaborations with creators and charities, the value offered by creators without big budgets, and a charity shop shout out.