Why We’re Choosing Charity Shops: Supporting Both Circular & Third Economies at MrPottery

At MrPottery, our business has always been about more than simply selling replacement china. For over 30 years, we have helped customers extend the life of their treasured tableware, reduce waste, and keep much-loved sets in daily use. Recently, we have taken this commitment one step further by choosing to focus more of our stock buying from charity shops rather than private sellers.

This decision reflects our belief in the importance of building strong circular and third-sector economies. A circular economy is one in which items are reused, repaired and re-homed rather than discarded. By sourcing pre-owned pottery and china from charity shops, we help valuable pieces stay in circulation, reduce the demand for new production, and prevent perfectly usable items from ending up in landfill; while also supporting charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Charity shops play a vital role in communities across the UK. They provide funding for medical research, social care, animal welfare, mental health provision, homelessness services and many other essential causes. By purchasing stock from these shops, we are directly supporting their work. Every discontinued plate, cup or teapot we buy contributes to fundraising that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

This approach also benefits our customers. Many discontinued patterns and replacement pieces now appear most frequently in charity shops, often donated by families clearing homes or downsizing. By working closely with local and national charity retailers, we are able to source a wide variety of quality items and offer them back to customers who need a specific replacement.

Choosing charity sourcing also reflects our commitment to responsible retail. It complements our wider efforts to reduce environmental impact through careful packaging, minimal waste, and efficient distribution. Together, these practices help ensure that each item we sell has the smallest possible footprint.

Importantly, this shift does not mean we value individuals any less. We remain grateful to everyone who has sold their dinner and tea services to MrPottery in the past. However, by prioritising charity shops, we are able to strengthen relationships with organisations that share our values and contribute more consistently to social good.

At its heart, MrPottery exists to help people preserve memories, traditions and everyday routines built around their tableware. By working more closely with the charity sector and supporting a circular economy, we are proud to be extending that care beyond our customers and into the wider community.

Every purchase you make from us now plays a small part in keeping china in use, supporting good causes, and building a more sustainable future, one cup, plate and saucer at a time.