Salvation Army charity shops see 50% rise in Gift Aid sign-ups after major digital upgrade from BMc Azurri

Salvation Army charity shops across the UK have seen a 50% increase in Gift Aid sign-ups after introducing new digital technology which has made donating quicker, easier and more accessible.

The changes have been rolled out by Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) – the trading arm of The Salvation Army – in partnership with charity gift aid and retail technology specialist BMc Azurri, based in Bolton.

The changes mean customers now experience faster transactions, shorter queues, easier donation options and a more inclusive, modern retail environment.

And the additional money raised helps support The Salvation Army’s work with vulnerable people in communities across the UK.

The technology has been introduced in more than 250 charity shops and donation centres.

The charity decided to modernise its retails systems to deal with the increased volume of donations and also customer expectations.

Paper-based processes – particularly for Gift Aid sign-ups – were creating administrative delays, data errors and missed fundraising opportunities. Donors can now sign up online, via QR codes, on in-store devices or at self-service stations.

Mobile Point of Sale (POS) systems have also been rolled out to help manage busy periods, particularly during donation centre openings and peak trading times. The technology reduces queues and allows staff and volunteers to process transactions more efficiently.

Self-service donation points now enable donors to independently label and drop off items, easing pressure on shop teams.

Importantly, the new systems have been designed with accessibility in mind. Volunteers of all ages have adapted quickly to the changes, supported by intuitive technology and training.

Donation centre manager Caren said: “Coming from paperwork to technology now, it’s totally amazing.

“Anyone can use the mobile point of sale system. It’s a really simple process. It helps the store save time and it helps us process stock a lot faster and get it out onto the shop floor.”

Nick Harris, chief information officer at Salvation Army Trading Company, said: “We have been working with BMc Azurri for more than 15 years and they have helped us throughout our whole digital transformation journey – they are a great company to work with.”

Alastair Petrie from BMc Azurri said: “Working with Salvation Army Trading Company over such a long period has been incredibly rewarding. From the outset, the focus has been on using technology in a way that genuinely supports people, from donors and customers to staff and volunteers.

“Charity retail is about people first, and the technology has to work for everyone. It’s been brilliant to see volunteers of all ages using the systems with confidence, while also helping raise more money for causes that really matter in local communities.

“Seeing a 50% increase in Gift Aid sign-ups shows what can be achieved when digital solutions are designed to be simple, accessible and fit for the real world.”

BMc Azurri is part of the wider Barron McCann group, which generates £50 million in combined revenue and includes specialist businesses in Managed IT Services, Helpdesk, Structured Cabling, Digital Security, Charity Retail Software, and HR & Employment Law Advisory.