DIYWEEK.net

87% of Britons believe that their favourite retailers fail to support good causes, and DIY was one of the worst named sectors.
According to a study by fundraising platform Give As You Live, over 90% of respondents recalled no charitable support when thinking of their favourite retailers. Just over 5% of people could name a DIY company that is charitable, one of the lowest figures. Other poor performing retail sectors included electronics and gadgets, sport and leisure and holidays.

Give As You Live is an organisation that works with retailers and 220,000 UK-registered charities and turns online shopping into cash for charities; it has helped users raise over £4m for UK charities. The survey asked 2,000 people about retailers' CSR activities and its impact on customer loyalty and spending; only 13% of the people could state their favourite retailers providing charity support.

The organisation has said the findings show that the perception that retailers are giving back to society is "alarmingly low across the board". Earlier in the study, it found that nearly half of Britons would spend more money with a retailer that donated to a charity.

Ceo and founder of Give As You Live, Polly Gowers OBE, commented: "During a difficult economic period, everyone - including retailers - should be seen to be doing their bit to give back to society. Charities and good causes have been some of the worst hit by the squeeze and, as spending increases, it's time to direct cash their way.

"Retailers who engage in CSR activities not only look good, but could also increase sales," she added.