Oxfam Ireland optimises store fundraising

Irish arm of global charity gets Gift Aid boost by deploying web-based retail point of sale software across its shops

Oxfam Ireland is to deploy a new web-based electronic point of sale (EPoS) and Gift Aid retail system from Cybertill to optimise sales and fundraising in its 51 shops across the island of Ireland.

Cybertill’s charity software will be used to manage donated stock and commercial goods across all their stores as well as managing Gift Aid claims in Northern Ireland. Once deployed, Oxfam Ireland expects to raise more funds through their retail network by driving business growth, enhancing supporter engagement and maximising Gift Aid sales.

Next stage of charitable development

Trevor Anderson, director of retail at Oxfam Ireland, explained: “Charity retail has transformed in recent years. Oxfam has been leading the way with a diversified strategy including standalone Oxfam Home and Oxfam Books stores and new offerings such as the Oxfam Bridal and Oxfam Vintage ranges, along with successful stock donation initiatives aimed at the public and corporates.

“But we want to take this to the next level and Cybertill will allow us to do that from detailed analysis of each store’s performance so we can maximise sales in all locations to increasing Gift Aid revenue in Northern Ireland and improved stock management of commercial goods. There are dozens of ways that Cybertill will help us improve and raise more funds for our vital work overseas supporting people affected by poverty and injustice to build a brighter future for their families and communities.”

Making donation process more efficient

The deployment of Cybertill is intended to benefit Oxfam Ireland’s supporters in a number of ways, such as adding value to donors’ gifts and cutting out unnecessary paperwork that donors are currently required to complete. The new system will also enable greater supporter engagement by automating communication to donors about the positive difference their donations are making.

“Cybertill was chosen for its pedigree and experience with charities and the wider retail sector. Its innovative software is changing how charities interact with shop customers and optimise their fundraising capabilities,” Anderson added.

Gift Aid allows charities in the UK and Northern Ireland to reclaim the tax paid on donated goods by UK taxpayers, with donor consent, of typically 25p in every pound.