'Biggest charity shop in town' expands as Staffordshire shoppers land bargains
Bargain-hunters lined up as a revamped charity shop reopened. Katharine House Hospice believes the Stafford store is the 'biggest shop of its kind' in the area.
Today and the ribbon was cut by Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Frank James as shoppers headed back inside. Those visiting the St Albans Road store are also being treated to 35 per cent off today as part of the hospice's 35th anniversary.
The shop first opened in 2008 and is credited with contributing almost £6 million to care costs. Manned by 12 members of staff and supported by 13 volunteers, who give around 100 hours every week, the branch has 'undergone extensive work'. The project has also seen it expand into the next door unit and it now has an area of 19,000 square foot.
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Estelle Hayward, shop manager, said: "This expansion project shows a real commitment to making life easier, not just for our shoppers and people who donate, but for all families living with an incurable disease. Our retail operation exists purely to fund this specialist care.”
The new unit will be used as a 'donation processing area' - meaning that all of the space in the original area can be used for retail sales.
Estelle added: "We can now take even more donations and ultimately contribute even more funds to securing free, expert care for the people of Stafford and the surrounding areas."
Simon Dodd, retail general manager, said: "Since 1989, Katharine House Hospice has cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families. All donations and purchases in our shops help Katharine House Hospice continue to provide this free specialist care."
Today's 35 per cent discount will be offered until the shop closes at 4.45pm.
Katharine House Hospice cares for people with cancer along with a range of conditions including multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, and end-stage renal failure. It also has stores in Hanley, Eccleshall, Leek, Stoke, Penkridge, Norton Bridge, Newport, Hednesford, and Cannock.
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