Fashion marketplace app Depop, has announced the establishment of a program aimed at supporting charity shops with the development of their online operations via its marketplace.

Depop's new Charity Seller Program seeks to give a range of UK-based charities the tools, resources, special deals, and individualized support they need to grow their online presence and e-commerce channels. According to a company news release, the program's adoption follows a rise of roughly 600% in charity shop listings on the app since March 2020.

Several charities have already benefited from the platform's popularity. The British Heart Foundation, which has 14K followers, sells trend-driven designs made from used clothing, while Oxfam concentrates on festival wear and vintage goods, with earnings going to Oxfam's global operations.

Megan Brown, Oxfam's festival shop manager, said that Depop gave a current, efficient, and much-needed channel for them to still be able to earn crucial cash, when there were no festivals or events occurring, to help put an end to poverty around the world.

Specialist childcare charity Demelza Hospice, also sells a variety of used products, including designer handbags. Vintage Lacoste sweaters, racing jackets, and Radley London bags are among the items listed on the charity's page. Traid, on the other hand, a non-profit dedicated to reducing the harmful effects of clothes manufacturing, raises funds by selling streetwear, vintage, and brands.

The rise in charitable giving is most likely linked to the pandemic-related precautions in place, according to the Charity Retail Association, which claims that the average charity shop in the UK lost over 33,000 pounds in income when high streets closed during the third lockdown.

Vice president of sellers at Depop, Rachel Swidenbank said that the pandemic spurred many organizations to transition into online selling, and they think there's an excellent chance to build on this as the popularity of secondhand apparel continues to grow. Charities may reach a far bigger audience with a more extensive offering than they can on their store floors by using platforms like Depop. They’re committed to helping their sellers flourish, and this program aims to help charities thrive online by keeping them up to date on the newest trends and sharing digital merchandising insights.

Participants in Depop's program will have access to a variety of additional resources, such as regular advice and information on market research, popular things, and how to target a certain demographic. They'll also get individualized help, including access to internet specialists and other merchants who can help them expand.

In addition, the charities will benefit from unique offers and discounts, as well as regular in-app promotion possibilities. Participants will also get access to tutorials and guidance.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation said that since launching, they have become one of the top sellers on the site, with a five-star rating, and they now have 14,000 followers, who have helped raise 28,000 pounds for the British Heart Foundation's vital research into heart and circulatory diseases.

Hughes added that as the UK's largest charity shop, they’re constantly looking to grow their online operations and explore new methods to raise funds for the organization’s vital work. The Depop team was and continues to be a tremendous assistance to them as we set up this program. It's been the right platform for them to offer trend-driven donated items and reach out to a new audience of fashion-conscious buyers who care about the environment.