Can a charity shop be called a charity shop if its not actually a charity?

harveybobbles

Near where I live there is a "charity shop" for cats.. Most people would assume it was Cats Protection as the shop sign has .org.uk on its website (which doesnt exist) and the place has "Charity shop for cat rescue" sign outside..

A look on Charity Comm website doesnt bring up anything about it being a charity. Infact, all I could find out is that its a local cat rescue place that has about 10 cats.

Catcherupper14

I don't know the answer but perhaps your local trading standards would know?

rach_k

Have you asked them who they are giving money to? Some people are just terrible at promoting themselves.

themull1

Ask them for their charity reference number.

Savvy_Sue

themull1 wrote: »

Ask them for their charity reference number.

You can call something a charity even if it is not a registered charity. You should be transparent in your advertising and publicity, and this lot may or may not be ....

We have a couple of shops near us which are described as charity shops, and they support several different charities. It's more difficult to be sure of where the money is going, so you have to trust them. Or not ...