My first nine months as Head of Retail at Little Valley have flown by, and I could not be more grateful for the support shown by our customers, donors, volunteers and shop teams. Together, you have helped make retail one of the vital ways we fund the care of animals across Devon.
It has been a strong year across our shops, with Tiverton and Brixham continuing to perform exceptionally well, and our Exeter, Budleigh Salterton, Newton Abbot and Bideford shops trading positively in what can be challenging retail areas. The Christmas period was particularly encouraging, with busy shops, generous donations and strong seasonal sales, all helping to generate vital income for the shelter.
Improving the customer experience remains a key focus. Over the past year we have invested in new tills and card machines, making shopping quicker and easier while giving our teams better tools to do their jobs. Alongside our core donated goods, which remain our biggest source of income, we have also expanded our range of new goods, providing strong margins that help support the running of the shelter.
For those who prefer to shop from home, our online shop continues to grow, now featuring over 100 product lines alongside our seven charity shops. Our presence on eBay and Vinted also continues to expand, with hundreds of items listed regularly.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of the public who donate such high quality preloved items, or the volunteers who go above and beyond every day. As we move into a new year, I am excited to build on the momentum of 2025 and look ahead to the spring and beyond. Together, we are making a real difference for the animals and communities we serve.
