Salvation Army charity shops see significant Gift Aid sign-ups rise after BMc Azurri digital upgrade

Salvation Army charity shops across the UK have seen a 50% increase in Gift Aid sign-ups after introducing new digital technology.

The changes have been rolled out by Salvation Army Trading Company - the trading arm of The Salvation Army - in partnership with charity gift aid and retail technology specialist BMc Azurri, part of the Barron McCann group.

The changes mean customers now experience faster transactions, shorter queues, easier donation options and a more inclusive, modern retail environment. And the additional money raised helps support The Salvation Army’s work with vulnerable people in communities across the UK.

The technology has been introduced in more than 250 charity shops and donation centres. The charity decided to modernise its retail systems to deal with the increased volume of donations and also customer expectations.

Paper-based processes - particularly for Gift Aid sign-ups - were creating administrative delays, data errors and missed fundraising opportunities. Donors can now sign up online, via QR codes, on in-store devices or at self-service stations.

Mobile PoS systems have also been rolled out to help manage busy periods, particularly during donation centre openings and peak trading times. The technology reduces queues and allows staff and volunteers to process transactions more efficiently. Self-service donation points now enable donors to independently label and drop off items.

Donation Centre Manager Caren says: “Coming from paperwork to technology now, it's totally amazing. Anyone can use the mobile point of sale system. It's a really simple process. It helps the store save time and it helps us process stock a lot faster and get it out onto the shop floor.”

Nick Harris, Chief Information Officer at Salvation Army Trading Company, says: “We have been working with BMc Azurri for more than 15 years and they have helped us throughout our whole digital transformation journey - they are a great company to work with.”

Alastair Petrie from BMc Azurri says: “Working with Salvation Army Trading Company over such a long period has been incredibly rewarding. From the outset, the focus has been on using technology in a way that genuinely supports people, from donors and customers to staff and volunteers.”

“Charity retail is about people first, and the technology has to work for everyone. It’s been brilliant to see volunteers of all ages using the systems with confidence, while also helping raise more money for causes that really matter in local communities. Seeing a 50% increase in Gift Aid sign-ups shows what can be achieved when digital solutions are designed to be simple, accessible and fit for the real world.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Digital retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.