A shop run by East Cheshire Hospice has reopened more than two years after closing its doors.
Now the charity shop on Chestergate has made an urgent appeal for donations of clothing and accessories to put on sale.
The store greeted its first customers on Saturday (May 7), reviving the Hospice’s town centre retail presence.
The Chestergate premises have undergone a major refurbishment over the last few weeks to give it a completely new look.
The store had to close in March 2020 when the pandemic meant social distancing was impractical due to space restrictions.
It became a bereavement centre briefly, but the Hospice realised the venue was unsuitable and are delighted it has now returned to its former retail use.
Hospice Commercial Manager Louise Delany said: “It’s great to be back in the town centre and although we’re in familiar surroundings, it’s a fresh new shop with a stylish and elegant interior.
“It looks and feels completely different than before, with a bright and modern yet rustic atmosphere throughout its two floors.
“There’s something for everyone here and we’d love it if people came along to see us.
“I must stress that we’re in need of more donations and now that we’ve opened hopefully people will drop by with items we can sell.
“We’d be grateful if supporters can look in their wardrobes and dig out any good quality clothing and bric-a-brac. We also want electrical items, but no toys and books.”
The shop is managed by Lindsay McDonald who previously worked at the Hospice’s Thornton Square shop. It will be open six days per week (Mon- Sat 9.30 am to 4.30 pm). The charity also has shops in Poynton and Handforth.
Lindsay McDonald, manager of the new East Cheshire Hospice shop on Chestergate.
Hospice Marketing Manager Luke Brightmore said: “Our retail shops are a hugely important part of our fundraising, and also an important connection to our community.
“Not only does selling your donated clothing, furniture and goods help raise vital funds for the Hospice and the work we do, but having these locations out in our communities where people can visit, interact and support us really helps to maintain that special bond that we have with our community.
“The new shop on Chestergate sells only the most beautiful pieces of clothing, accessories and other pre-loved items, and is also eco-conscious, striving for little to no unnecessary waste.”
The shop also needs volunteers. Anyone interested can call 01625 511997.
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.
