Selling everything from clothes to furniture... queues as Stafford’s largest charity superstore opens
Shoppers keen to grab a bargain queued for the opening of Stafford’s largest charity superstore. More than 500 customers turned up to the opening of Katharine House Hospice’s Stafford Superstore on Friday, 31 January, resulting in record sales of £4,800 for the day with sales topping an astonishing £7,200 over the weekend – the best ever weekend sales for the charity’s shops.
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It costs Katharine House Hospice almost £4 million a year to provide its free specialist care to families living with incurable illnesses. Last year the charity’s retail operation contributed £1.6 million towards this.
The Stafford Superstore on St Alban’s Road has undergone a huge expansion and refurbishment, making it around 19,000 sq ft, and improving the shopping and donations experience.
The Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Frank James and his daughter, Mayoress Mrs Sara Peters, were among the shoppers taking advantage of the special 35% discount offered for the re-opening day to celebrate the charity’s 35th anniversary.
“We marked the occasion with a special discount to thank the community for the support they have shown our charity over the past 35 years,” said Simon Dodd, Retail General Manager.
“It was a fantastic turnout with hundreds of people coming throughout the day. The fact that the store continued to thrive into the weekend shows just how much the community values our charity. I’d like to thank everyone who has donated or purchased items from us over the years.”
Staff, volunteers and friends of the charity all attended the event.
“We were delighted to be able to pop along and show our support on the day,” said Katrina Pearce, Health Care Assistant, Hospice at Home.
“As care staff, we all appreciate that without our retail operation, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the extensive and vital services we do.”
Among the shoppers were Ellen from Shropshire and her mum, Sue.
Ellen said: “I’ve shopped here a few times and I came especially for the opening. I love this shop, it’s brilliant as it sells everything. I like to shop here to support the charity. The new-look is great.”
Lucas from Stafford said: “I come to this shop quite often as it’s my favourite shop in Stafford. I like to browse and very often buy things. The new-look store is a big improvement.”
Paula from Stafford commented: “I think it’s very important to support our local hospice especially as I am going to be using the services they offer. It’s so great to see so many people at the opening, supporting their local hospice. And there are plenty of bargains here.”
Since 1989, Katharine House Hospice has cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families. The charity currently operates 14 shops in Stafford and the surrounding areas including an eBay shop and plans on opening another store in Rugeley in the near future.
