Charities with retail operations are now invited to respond to the 24th annual Charity Shops Survey, the most comprehensive study into the state of the shops sector.

Last year’s survey, published by Charity Finance and Fundraising Magazine, found that growth in the shops sector was slowing after a boom period at the height of the recession. The Textile Recycling Association predicted that charities could lose millions of pounds this year from a fall in the price of rag, which fell from £600 a tonne in 2013 to £400 a tonne in the early part of last year.

It also found that growth in the charity shops sector was slowing. Income was up 7.8 per cent, profit up 3.2 per cent, and shop numbers up 1.7 per cent – all markedly slower than in previous years.

Last year’s survey covered more than 6,500 shops, represented by 73 organisations and responsible for generating £807m.

To take part in this year's survey please download the questionnaire and return your completed responses by 26 June.