A cancer charity is being forced to close shops due to the crippling cost of living crisis.
Young Lives vs Cancer has announced the closure of 13 charity shops across south west England, affecting 39 jobs, and 300 volunteer posts.
The cause, which supports children and young people and their families fighting cancer, say the stores will close over the next 18 months saying conditions on the high street and projected income generation had informed their decision.
Last year their shops generated a net income of approximately £450,000, but that is a lower return on investment than the charity can achieve through other income generating activity.
Young Lives vs Cancer’s chain of 13 shops are located in Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Gloucestershire. The closures, which will happen between June 2023 and January 2025, reports Devon Live.
Luke Mallett, director of income and engagement at Young Lives vs Cancer said: “The difficult decision to close Young Lives vs Cancer’s chain of charity shops has only been made after detailed consideration of the options.
"Our shops have played a big role in funding our vital services, but as a charity that does not receive sustained Government funding, we need to do all we can to raise as much money as we can to run and develop our services for children and young people with cancer.
“We’ve compared the cost of running and maintaining our shops and how much money they raise with other fundraising methods, but the investment needed to run our shops is significant.
"At a time that costs are rising for everyone but especially for children and young people with cancer and their families, it is vital every investment we make in growing income to deliver our services, and the increasing needs of families, is scrutinised.
In the instance of retail, it was clear that other income generation channels could in the future generate more, at less of a cost.
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our shop staff and volunteers and know this is a very difficult time for them.
"Many have dedicated years, and in some cases decades, to the charity and they have all made a huge difference to the young people and families we support. Our volunteers are second to none, and we are providing support for them with finding what’s next for them either with Young Lives vs Cancer or elsewhere.”
He added: “Our expectation is that the shops will stay open until their individual leases end. This means some shops will remain open for the next 18 months, and we will keep the local communities updated as our plans progress.”
