East Cheshire Hospice opens the doors to its new charity shop ECHO in Poynton on Saturday, September 5.
Poynton was chosen as the location because the Hospice is keen to build a greater presence in the village to reflect the number of patients, volunteers and supporters who live there.
The opening has been delayed by four months because of Covid-19 and the Hospice has already been encouraged by the public response, even before the first item is sold.
The Park Lane shop will sell ladies, men’s and children’s clothes, shoes, handbags, toys, bric-a-brac and furniture. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday (9 am – 5 pm).
Shop manager Emma Lloyd said: “This will be a charity shop like no other, selling good quality clothing and furniture at affordable prices.
“Value for money is even more important at the moment with the retail sector facing such a difficult time because of Covid-19.
“We wanted a presence in Poynton and believe the timing is right to open and in an ideal location in the centre of the village.
“We’re confident we’ll attract lots of customers whose support will benefit our patients. All profits go directly to fund patient care.
“Poynton is in our catchment area, although some people mistakenly believe it’s served by our friends from St Ann’s Hospice.”
ECHO shop manager Emma Lloyd (left) and volunteer Dee Waters.
The shop is the charity’s fourth, with others at Thornton Square and Chestergate, Macclesfield, and Handforth.
ECHO, which prides itself on its eco-friendly approach, will be plastic-free. Hangers will be wooden and reclaimed timber boards have been used as part of this recycling project.
Emma said: “Our customers will be saving money and saving the environment by buying our second-hand goods, some of which are designer items.
“The feedback from the public as we’ve been preparing the shop and receiving donated items has been extremely positive. We want to thank our donors.”
Staff and volunteers have been recruited and the Hospice is asking for any unwanted items to be delivered to the back of the premises where parking is available. Items will be quarantined for 72 hours.
Furniture collections can be arranged by calling furniture co-ordinator and assistant manager Michele Slack on 01625 409647 or visit the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk.
Income from its charity shops provides a vital source of regular income for the Hospice, especially as fundraising revenue has dropped significantly because of the pandemic.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
