CHARITY shops are facing shortfalls in their profits of up to 50 per cent, after the cold weather has put people off making their usual trips to donate goods and browse in the shops.
The weeks at the end of November and beginning of December are some of the most important in the charity shop calendar but many shops are now running low on stock.
Andrew Vale, managing director of Mind Shops, said: “This time of year our shops are usually a hive of activity as people drop by to pick up party outfits and well-priced stocking fillers.
“However, the last couple of weeks have been a very different picture as the snow and ice have been putting people off.”
Jenny Lupton, general manager of the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth GC, said: “The bad weather affects everyone in retail but hits us particularly hard because every penny for us means that we keep the hospice open.”
“It has even been hard for our volunteers to get into the shops but their commitment is amazing and we are so grateful to our loyal customers.”
People are being encouraged to donate clothing, books and toys to their local charity shops.
The Garden House Hospice will also collect good quality furniture.
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