Evri announces major change for UK charity shops with new service

It aims to make it ‘easier’ for customers to donate to charity shops

Delivery service Evri has announced it is making a major change across 12,500 ParcelShops and lockers to make it “easier” for customers to donate to charity shops.

With charity shops facing mounting pressures, Evri has revealed a new initiative to encourage more people to donate to charity shops. In partnership with disability equality charity Scope, Evri said it is creating a nationwide donation-by-post service that will allow people to donate unwanted belongings to charity without having to actually visit a store.

This means shoppers will now be able to send their pre-loved items directly to Scope, free of charge, via more than 12,500 Evri ParcelShops and lockers across the UK. These locations can be found in Post Office branches and Asda stores, as well as at thousands of brand new Evri lockers.

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The initiative comes after research showed 46% of people are more likely to donate to charity if they can use parcel lockers

Jonathan Bennett, Director of Marketing at Evri Group, said: “Charity shops are an important part of our high streets and communities, but like all retailers they need new ways to attract stock and engage supporters.

“Through our partnership with Scope we’re making donating easier than ever, whether that’s through free drop-offs at more than 12,500 locations nationwide or the UK’s first charity shop parcel locker. By combining convenience, accessibility and innovation, we’re helping more pre-loved items find a second life while supporting Scope’s vital work for disabled people.”

Debbie Boylen, Head of Retail at disability equality charity Scope, added: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Scope. Evri has been so generous with their fundraising and these new developments are set to help us raise even more funds.

“The impact of this will be so far-reaching. Every pound we raise can help fund a minute’s call on our free helpline with the average call lasting 15 minutes. Disabled people can receive expert guidance and advice, so your quality donations are vital.

“Their vast network of drop off locations means so many more people have the opportunity to donate to Scope at a time and location convenient to them, 24 hours a day. It also means Evri’s customers have an opportunity to help us remove the barriers disabled people face, every day.

“Life costs more for disabled people, who need an extra £1,095 each month on average, just to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households. As prices are ramping up across the board, many are finding themselves pushed to the brink and are contacting our free helpline for vital support and guidance.

“We know donating money isn’t always possible. But giving good-quality clothes through Evri is free and easy. It’s a simple way to clear out your wardrobe and help us to break down barriers and create a fairer society with disabled people.”

In a further boost for charity retail, Evri also said it will install what is believed to be the UK’s first parcel locker inside a charity shop. This will be located in Scope’s Doncaster store and is aimed at increasing footfall and creating additional reasons for shoppers to visit charity shops.

How to donate to Scope via an Evri parcel locker

1. Visit Evri.com/Scope to create a free parcel label
2. Package items using Evri’s guidance
3. Print the label and drop off at a ParcelShop or locker

Items will then be processed and distributed into Scope’s retail network and will be sold to raise money for the charity’s work.