The St Teresa’s Hospice shop at Mowden precinct, Fulthorpe Road, Darlington, has become the first of the charity’s nine stores to undergo a refurbishment and brand refresh as the organisation revitalises its retail arm.
It costs around £3m a year for the charity to provide round-the-clock care and support for patients living with life limiting illnesses, and their families and carers, in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
A sizeable proportion comes from the retail division which processes and refurbishes donations and organises house clearances.
The Mowden shop offers consumers a wide range of high-quality interior furnishings and clothing. The refurbishment has seen the shop change its signage to the hospice’s latest branding and inside adopt the new colours of Metro Green and Kasbah. Heating and lighting has also been upgraded to create a more comfortable ambience for staff and customers.
Improvements will be phased throughout the charity’s other stores in Thirsk, Leyburn and Shildon, as well as in Darlington at the McMullen Road Superstore, the Cornmill antiques shop and the Cockerton home store.
Head of Retail Marjorie McIntyre said: “Interest in charity stores has never been keener as consumers switch on to the benefits of pre-loved goods as they consider their finances during the cost of living crisis.
“Our stores offer everything from antiques and restored furnishings to designer labels in clothes, bags and shoes. There are some amazing bargains to be enjoyed and in doing so the public is supporting an incredible service which helps so many people in the area.”
The popularity of the stores has also led to an increased demand for volunteers to support the retail network.
Mrs McIntyre said: “Working in the stores is extremely rewarding for volunteers of all ages whether that is people with time on their hands or youngsters looking to gain work experience for careers in retail or business.”
Anyone interested should contact the Retail Team on (01325) 488701.
