How charity superstores can power life saving research in Yorkshire

Charity retail has always been a key part of how we fund life‑saving work at Yorkshire Cancer Research. 

The charity first began raising funds in 1926. Then, in 1965, a series of jumble sales organised by local supporters led to the opening of our first charity shop.

For the next 55 years, our small network of shops helped build strong local networks that went beyond the donation and sale of pre-loved items.

They grew into communities that not only raised awareness of the charity’s existence and crucial funds for pioneering research but also offered connection to those affected by cancer. 

More recently, we made a bold decision to build on the foundations our supporters created and extend that same approach and spirit across Yorkshire.  

In December 2019 we opened a new shop in Knaresborough – our first in 30 years - and since then our retail network has grown rapidly. 

We now have 19 shops across the region, including our newest and largest addition, the York superstore, which opened 19 March 2026.

This growth reflects a clear strategic direction: building a retail model that can support more research and more services to help more people survive cancer in Yorkshire. 

Superstores give us opportunities that traditional high street shops can’t. Their larger floorspace means we can display a broader range of stock, curate stronger visual merchandising and make the most of every donation we receive. 

When items are shown well, they sell well, and those sales translate directly into research that prevents cancer, finds it earlier and improves treatment.

Someone in Yorkshire is diagnosed with cancer every 15 minutes, and that means it’s crucial we continue to fund long-term clinical trials and services right here in our region. 

To meet that challenge, we need funding we can depend on, all year round. 

Retail is one of the most stable income sources we have, and superstores strengthen that stability by increasing footfall, expanding product ranges and creating more predictable revenue. 

This consistency allows us to plan ahead with confidence and invest in impactful projects that save lives.

Our shops are also one of the main ways people first encounter the charity. 

A short conversation with a volunteer, or simply browsing the shelves, often leads to people learning more about our mission. 

Over time, many customers go on to become donors, volunteers and passionate advocates within their own communities.

Superstores help us extend this reach. 

Their size and accessibility mean they attract a wider mix of visitors, including people who might not usually step into a smaller charity shop. 

With more people coming through the door, more conversations happen, and awareness of our work grows.

A key part of the superstore approach is providing space for more than retail alone. 

Larger shops mean we can create areas where people can meet, relax or take part in activities. 

These spaces offer volunteers the chance to build skills, confidence and experience. 

For those affected by cancer, either personally or through someone they love, they can be a place to talk, share experiences or simply feel understood.

These community moments are an important part of what charity retail can offer, and they create a supportive environment that extends well beyond the shop floor.

Superstores also help us increase the environmental value of what we do. 

With more room to sort, prepare and present goods, we can keep more items in use and out of landfill, giving pre-loved clothing, books, toys and homeware a longer life. 

This reduces waste, supports a circular economy and encourages more sustainable choices across Yorkshire.

By combining sustainable retail practices with local community engagement, superstores allow us to deliver both environmental and social value. 

Our York superstore will strengthen our presence across the region, support new partnerships and provide long‑term financial resilience.

Alongside our network of shops across Yorkshire, it will allow us to be more ambitious, more innovative and more confident in the research we fund.

Our goal is to help people in Yorkshire live longer, healthier lives, free from cancer. Superstores are becoming one of the most effective ways we can make that happen.