One former charity shop employee has shared four reasons why she thinks this is the case, claiming 'the end is near', especially with the rise of Vinted and eBay07:22, 07 Jul 2026A former charity shop worker has warned that 'the end is near' for many second-hand stores on the high street. With Vinted, eBay and other second hand selling platforms leading the way, it's no surprise that some charity shops are struggling.‌The cost of living crisis has hit a number of areas of life including people in their own homes, and businesses on the high street. With rents increasing and utility bills being through the roof, it's no wonder the high street is struggling more than ever.‌One former charity shop employee, Meg, who worked in a chain branch has explained the reason why she believes 'the end is near' for charity shops. She explained in a video that she came to the opinion from her own experiences of working in a big chain charity shop.‌She said: "Charity shops are dying. I worked in a big chain charity shop and here's why I think the charity shops aren't gonna last much longer."'Out of touch' head officeFor her first point, Meg explained that some charity shops are a little more expensive and try and go for a "high-end boutiquey feel". She went on to suggest that chain charity shops had grown 'incredibly corporate', arguing they believed they were delivering a 'mid-range retail experience'.She claimed they frequently 'wasted money' on campaigns and new stock in an attempt to rival high street clothing retailers. "They had shops open in central London that made no money, but they kept them open for brand awareness when it was dragging the rest of us f**king down," Meg claimed.‌Overworked staff membersMeg went on to argue that volunteers and members of staff in these charity shops were 'completely overworked' and dealing with poor working conditions, mould, and dirty donations they had to sort through.She also revealed that theft and aggression were commonplace in the stores, speaking from her own personal experience. She added: "Just for someone from head office who's paid 10 times more than you, to tell you that you're not selling enough fucking lottery tickets."Pricing"This is a touchy subject and it's a difficult one. I stand on the fact that charity shops exist to raise money for the charity, not to give you a bargain," Meg said. "However, something's Got to give."‌She went on to say that while she found certain charity shop chains to consistently be on the pricier side, and with overheads such as rent having rocketed, she still believed some items carried too hefty a price tag."Head office will send a price guide in and you have to follow it," she explained, admitting she frequently couldn't afford the very items in the shop where she worked. "And at the end of the day, charity shops cannot compete with vintage."Fast fashion donationsFinally, Meg pointed out that the overwhelming majority of donations they received came from fast fashion brands, meaning items had to be priced accordingly, resulting in slimmer profits.Article continues below"Charity shops need to make money to stay open, and they can't make that kind of money on Primark and Shein," Meg argued. "The overconsumption these days is actually insane. People buy and buy and buy and then just give it to the charity shop."She went further, pointing out that labels such as Shein frequently gather dust on charity shop rails, with some outlets resorting to enormous bins of the branded garments at just £1 apiece, yet still struggling to shift them."I don't know what the future holds. I think the future of the high street is already kind of in jeopardy," Meg said. "And I, as a consumer, I much prefer shopping in a small independent charity shop. They're always so much better."