Charity shop relocation offers enhanced shopping experience
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) has opened a new shop in Barnstaple High Street.
The charity has moved from its original home next door to HSBC to bigger and better premises in the former BrightHouse store, opposite Primark.
The ribbon was officially cut on Friday morning by CHSW co-founder and chief executive Eddie Farwell, who said the shop would raise vital funds for local children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
He said: “We’re incredibly proud to have had such a prominent place on Barnstaple High Street for many years and hope people will support our new store, whether it’s to shop, make a donation, volunteer or simply to pop in and say ‘hello’ and perhaps learn a bit more about the charity.”
The old shop at 11 High Street was opened by television personality Noel Edmonds in April 2002 and has since raised thousands of pounds in support of CHSW’s three hospices, including Little Bridge House in Fremington.
Despite the success, CHSW’s head of retail Chris Judd, said charity retail had changed a lot in the last 20 years and the new shop would offer customers an enhanced shopping experience.
“Charity shops now have a huge role to play in the High Street economy and our new-look Barnstaple shop reflects our broadening customer base and the way people’s shopping habits have shifted more towards sustainable high-quality fashion that’s good value for money.
We’ve introduced a dedicated vintage and retro department and larger second hand book and homeware section.
"There is also more space to showcase the fantastic range of women’s, men’s and children’s fashions, kitchenware, collectables and small electrical items.
“The new shop format also features an open plan sorting area, which will provide a lovely place to work for our volunteers, and also give people more of an insight into how their donations will make a difference to the charity.”
The location of the new shop also means it will be easier for people to drop off donations of good quality items they no longer need. They can be taken by car at the rear of the shop off Tuly Street from 9am-5pm; anyone with large quantities of donations are being asked to phone ahead to let shop staff know they are coming.
The bigger shop is recruiting a part-time manager’s assistant and is also looking to take on more volunteers to help process donations and serve customers. To apply for the position, or to offer a few hours a week volunteering, call 01271 344065 or email barnstaple.shop@chsw.org.uk.