CLAN shopping around for retail experience.
With the charity shop sector generating nearly £750 million of sales per year towards the UK economy, the trade is experiencing a renaissance.
A recent study by the Charity Retail Association showed that, on average, a charity shop will make £593 a week, which represents an overall rise in sales of 14.3 per cent compared to the previous year - the highest increase ever recorded.
Publicity generated by Mary Portas and the popular TV series Mary Queen of Charity Shops helped stimulate interest and now north-east charity CLAN Cancer Support is planning to enlist its very own expert to bolster its thriving retail operation.
The organisation, which has a range of stores located throughout Aberdeen, Deeside, Orkney and Shetland, is seeking to recruit an additional non-executive member to its governing Board with a particular interest in those who have specific retail experience.
Chief executive Debbie Thomson said: “We have a chain of charity shops – two in Aberdeen and one each in Ballater, Lerwick and Kirkwall. Manned by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, our shops bring in valuable income which helps us to offer free support services to those affected by cancer. We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of the public who donate and shop at our stores.
“We’re proud of the work we have done so far and now are looking for someone with retail experience who will be able to guide us to ensure we are maximising opportunities in this area.”
Joining the CLAN Board will involve attending Board and sub-committee meetings, usually held every two months, participating in a selection of CLAN events and giving advice and input of a specialist nature when required. All members provide their services on a voluntary basis.
Debbie continued: “Our charity shops continue to go from strength to strength and this position is perfect for someone with the experience and knowhow to continue this development. Mary Portas really helped to draw attention to the sector, which was a tremendous help in terms of profile, and we would love to work with someone with a passion for retail and ideas that can support CLAN's work."
CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness. Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Kirkwall and Lerwick.
For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org
