The Association of Charity Shops has changed its name to the Charity Retail Association (CRA) in an bid to reflect the sector’s expansion beyond the traditional high street shop.

The CRA said that although high street charity shops are still the main income generator for its 320 charity members, the marketplace is changing as more charities specialise and look to niche marketing.

Also, a lot of charity retail business is now done online, via eBay and other sites, and through the increasing number of virtual shops operated by the Association’s members.

Warren Alexander, chief executive of CRA, said: “Charity retail is developing at an astonishing rate and the Association must develop in the same way.”

David Cryer, head of retail at Helen and Douglas House, and chairman of the Association, added: “We’re responding positively to all the recent and coming economic and social changes. The Association of Charity Shops has done a tremendous job over the years in supporting the sector as it has grown, and, in its new form, I’m sure the Charity Retail Association will rise to the new challenges.”

In addition to its new brand, the CRA has changed the Code of Charity Retailing logo (pictured).