Transforming Retail: Community Integrated Care & Inspire By with Wil-U

Community Integrated Care and Inspire By currently support over 70 individuals across four shop locations. Each person’s support is tailored to their strengths and ambitions, with roles designed to suit their unique journey. The initiative is all about empowering people with learning disabilities and additional support needs, helping them build employability skills and qualifications through hands-on experience in the shops. At the same time, it addresses social isolation and fosters meaningful relationships.

Before joining the Wil-U Family, the Inspire By retail team was on a mission to rethink their EPOS system and operations. They were looking for modern, lightweight equipment that anyone could use comfortably, with screens that could be customised to match different abilities and ways of working. The people they support needed simple, portable, and intuitive tools, and unfortunately, their old devices just weren’t cutting it.

Accessibility was key to the charity's ability to offer more opportunities to the people they support. Donating and volunteering should be accessible to everyone.

Myra Shuel, Business Systems Manager, shared why they chose Wil-U: “What stood out to us immediately was how modern and forward-thinking Wil-U’s approach was. It was clear this wasn’t simply about replacing an EPOS system; it was about giving us tools that genuinely supported the way we work. The technology felt fresh and intuitive, and the portable devices made perfect sense for the people we support. The ability to customise screens to fit different abilities and workflows showed us that Wil-U really understood accessibility and real-world use.”

In the end, they went with Wil-U because it felt like the start of a true partnership, built on innovation, flexibility, and understanding. “They weren’t just providing a system; they were offering a better, more modern way of working,” Myra adds.

Since joining the Wil-U Family in 2023, the charity has seen huge improvements in its retail operations, especially in efficiency. With the customisable EPOS design, staff training has been simplified, and the people they support, many of whom also volunteer in the shops, have gained more confidence in their roles.

Myra adds, “Tasks that used to feel slow or complicated have become faster and more streamlined, especially around Gift Aid management and general device handling. The modern equipment has made a big difference, and the customisable screens have helped us tailor the experience to what our users need, rather than forcing them to work around rigid designs.”

Community Integrated Care & Inspire By have really stepped up their retail game. Last year, they opened a new location that will become a central hub for training within the charity. The new shop design is part of the Inspire By transformation, bringing a boutique feel to their locations, a vibe they plan to roll out across all their shops.

Victoria Cotton, Wil-U's Digital Content Creator, says, “We're so proud to have Community Integrated Care & Inspire By as part of the Wil-U Family. Getting the chance to chat with some of the people they support really showed how much they value the relationships in the shop. The positive energy they bring makes the whole shopping experience feel extra special. The new Aberdeen shop looks great, and we’re excited to be part of the future of Inspire By’s retail journey”

At Wil-U, we are constantly working to improve our solutions, always listening to what charities have to say and finding new ways to meet their needs.

Myra reflects on her experience with us, saying, “For us, Wil‑U has been more than just a charity retail solutions provider. They’ve been a genuine partner. From day one, they took the time to understand our challenges, our people, and the way we work. They didn’t just offer a product; they offered solutions that made sense in the real world.”

What really sets Wil-U apart is the combination of modern, intuitive EPOS & Gift Aid Systems and a team that truly cares. Whenever we’ve needed support, they’ve been there, responsive, approachable, and committed to getting things right. That level of service gives you confidence, and it makes the entire experience feel smooth and stress-free.”

It’s been amazing to see this partnership evolve, and we can’t wait to continue helping Community Integrated Care & Inspire By with their ongoing journey.