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About us

Creating hope, health and happiness for everyone in retail.

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About us

Creating hope, health and happiness for everyone in retail.

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About us

Creating hope, health and happiness for everyone in retail.

Who we are and why we’re here 

When the Retail Trust was founded in 1832, our mission was simple: to stand alongside people working in retail through life's challenges and opportunities. 

As our first Chairman, Thomas Helps, put it: 

“To promote the happiness and interests of those engaged in the trade, whose industry, integrity, and character were too often insufficient to rescue them from suffering and want.” 

Almost two centuries on, our purpose remains just as relevant. We believe everyone working in retail should have access to the support they need to stay healthy, happy and well. It's a belief that drives everything we do and powers a growing movement for positive change across the industry.  

A happy female grocery store worker with curly hair smiles brightly in an aisle, a male colleague and blurred product shelves

Our cause

To create hope, health and happiness for everyone in retail.

Our beliefs guide the way we behave with one another, our partners and colleagues in retail.

  • Championing health in retail. From 1832 onwards, we have been championing health in retail. We are always looking for new opportunities to help and provide hope to our people. 

  • All in. One Trust. We’re at our best when we are collaborating seamlessly together with our partners and customers to look after the health of our people.

  • Transforming lives for good. We make a difference by empowering people to lead happier lives. And we follow through on our word, always. 

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Read our latest news and updates

Explore our latest news, stories and updates, from the work we’re doing to support the retail industry to the people and partnerships helping us make a difference.

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Our history

The story of the Retail Trust started at The London Coffee House on Tuesday, 3 January 1832. We now believe this to be the site of the Jamaica Wine House in St Michael’s Alley, Cornhill.

Event buffet with snacks and drinks. In the background, a screen shows 'Retail Trust Leaders' Summit' and sponsor logos. Attendees mingle.

Events

From 1832 onwards, the Retail Trust has been caring for, protecting and improving the lives of people working in retail. Support our events and together we can transform lives for good.

Smiling man with gray hair and a short beard, wearing a dark blue denim jacket over a white t-shirt, smiling at the camera.

People

The Retail Trust is a charity governed by a board of trustees who ensure that we are working towards our mission. Our executive team are responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation.