Homeless charity forced to close shop in town

A homeless charity has decided to close its charity shop because of rising costs and the shift towards selling second-hand items online.

Shrewsbury Ark said it had been a "difficult decision" after more than a decade of trading, but the shop was "no longer financially sustainable".

Its day centre in the town will remain open, but it said that too had seen a decline in financial donations, partly due to the cost of living crisis.

It said it was facing a funding shortfall of £30,000 per month to maintain current levels of support.

Shrewsbury Ark said independent charity shops were struggling to compete in the second-hand market, with more people choosing to sell their unwanted possessions for money online.

It praised its staff and volunteers for their "tireless efforts" in the shop and noted there had been an increase in sales following a recent renovation, but it had not been enough.

It emphasised its core work, to support homeless people in the area, would continue, despite the shop closure.

It also said it was asking people to set up regular monthly donations "to help ensure that these vital services can continue into the future".

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