2015-10-14
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A charity shop (UK), thrift store (U.S., Canada), resale shop (U.S.), or op shop (Australia/NZ, from
opportunity shop) is a retail establishment operated ___ a charitable organization ___ the purpose ___
fundraising. Charity shops are a type of social enterprise. They usually sell second-hand goods donated ___
members of the public, and are often staffed ___ volunteers. Because the items ___ sale were obtained ___
free, they can be sold ___ very low prices. All the profits ___ the sales go ___ the charity, apart ___ the costs
for overheads such as lighting, electricity and the lease.
Charity shops are often popular ___ the poor and ___ college students ___ a fixed income, but they are also
popular with various subcultures. For example, clothing ___ charity stores was often modified ___ early punk
rockers. In the United States shopping ___ a thrift store has become popular enough to earn a slang term,
thrifting.
Environmentalists may prefer buying second hand goods as this does not use ___ resources or damage the
environment as happens when new goods are made.
Some thrift stores also sell a limited range ___ new goods which may have some connection ___ the cause
the charity supports. Oxfam stores, ___ example, sell fair trade food and crafts. Other stores may sell new
Halloween supplies and decorations where old vintage clothes are popular for use as costumes. Some
stores specialise in selling books, music, or bridal wear.
Oxfam has the largest number ___ charity shops in the UK ___ over 800 stores. Many ___ the Oxfam shops
also sell books, and the organization now operate over 70 specialist Oxfam Bookshops ___ the United
Kingdom, making them the largest retailer ___ second-hand books in Britain. Oxfam also have stores in
Jersey, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Hong Kong. Other charities ___ a strong presence ___ high
streets in the UK include Age Concern, Cancer Research UK, Help the Aged, Save the Children, Scope and
Sue Ryder. Many local hospices also operate charity shops to raise funds.
