A shop owner has revealed what she claims is a hidden reality about charity shops, stating that many donated items end up in landfill because they cannot be sold for a minimum price. Carmen Croxall, who runs a second-hand craft store, shared a TikTok video showing a large donation her shop received, which she said was 'overflow' from a charity shop that could not sell items under £2.
Carmen explained that this practice is common among national charities, leading to items like unwanted wrapping paper being discarded. She displayed bags filled with rejected goods, including jewellery, plastic flowers, biscuit tins, hats, belts, and sealed clothing packets. 'So they couldn't sell these for £2 or more – it's not economically viable for a charity to make a profit for their cause,' she said.
The video sparked a range of reactions on TikTok. One user commented, 'I don't understand why the UK isn't capitalising on massive thrift shops. Overflow from charity shops can go there and the UK is desperate for large thrift stores.' Another criticised pricing, saying, 'If charity shops didn't charge £6 for second hand Primark tops or £10 for puzzles they might actually flog stuff on a regular basis.'
A volunteer disclosed, 'This is totally true, I volunteer in a charity shop and the items we have to rag or throw away makes my blood boil. The shop [has] a minimum price we have to sell for and if the items aren't worth selling.' However, some defended charity shops, with one user sharing a positive experience: 'At the charity I shop I volunteer at we have items for 50p,' noting bundles and a free box for unsellable goods.
The Charity Retail Association stated: 'Only 6% of clothing donated to charity shops is discarded as waste. Textiles that cannot be sold are usually sold to textile recyclers: these goods will either be recycled as fabric or exported as garments for sale overseas.'
