I love going to thrift shops!  You never know what kind of gems will be found!
Yeah, A charity shop or thrift shop is a retail establishment that usually is set up to raise money
So, you are saying the profits are used for the benefit of others?
Most of the time yes, They are a social enterprise
That makes me feel better about shopping there.  When did thrift shops start popping up?
They have been around for years but They sell mainly used goods such as clothing, books, music albums, home videos
Who are some of the biggest players in the thrift shop sector?
I think Goodwill is still the biggest. Because the items for sale were obtained for free, and business costs are low
Who specifically do their profits go towards helping?
the United States also covers consignment shops), and opportunity (or op) shops (in Australia and New Zealand).
History.
One of the earliest charity shops was set up by the Wolverhampton Society for the Blind (now called the Beacon Centre for the Blind) in 1899 to sell goods made by blind people to raise money for the Society. During World War I, various fund-raising activities occurred, such as a bazaar in Shepherd Market, London, which made £50,000 for the Red Cross
Charity shop
A charity shop, thrift shop or opportunity shop (colloquially referred to as an op shop) is a retail establishment run by a charitable organization to raise money. Charity shops are a type of social enterprise. They sell mainly used goods such as clothing, books, music albums, DVDs, and furniture donated by members of the public, and are often staffed by volunteers. Because the items for sale were obtained for free, and business costs are low, the items can be sold at competitive prices.