The charity runs a helpline and several retirement estates in England and Scotland, as well as providing educational bursaries and hardship grants.
retailTRUST was founded in 1832 by Thomas Helps, as The Linen and Woollen Drapers, Silk Mercers, Lacemen, Haberdashers and Hosiers' Institution.
Initially it was a "confederacy of good feeling" with close links to the emerging department store sector.
In 1996, Cottage Homes launched its Helpline, which shifted the focus of the charity to current retail workers.
Ultimately, like the banks and building societies, members’ savings are protected against business failure by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.