CAN supports individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges throughout the community with its trio of charity shops located in Ballymoney, Coleraine, and Ballymena. These stores, which are constantly “thinking outside the box”, are hubs of innovation designed to keep high-quality items in circulation while generating the revenue necessary to sustain CAN’s mission.
Proactive Reuse and the “Mystery Bag” Success
To combat the challenges of the current economic climate and increase footfall, CAN has introduced creative retail strategies that prioritise waste reduction. Their Ballymena store is currently trialling “Mystery Bags”, a hit with local shoppers. For just £3.75, customers receive a curated selection of six items in their size, with the added excitement of potentially finding a £20 voucher for the CAN CAN Bazaar.
The success of this initiative has led to an expansion into toy and bric-a-brac mystery bags, ensuring that even smaller donated items are diverted from landfills and find a second life in a new home.
Collaborative Sustainability
Recognising that a true circular economy relies on partnership, CAN has also been connecting with Hope 365. This collaboration ensures that clothing donations, including branded school uniforms, that cannot be sold within CAN’s own shops, are still reused rather than discarded.
As they continue to grow, CAN remains a vital champion for both the people they support and the planet they help protect.
