Our Baldock shop has reopened - changing the face of pre-loved fashion on the highstreet
Our Baldock shop reopened its doors on 13th February after undergoing an exciting transformation. Shoppers, fellow local businesses and Hospice service users attended the grand reveal to experience pre-loved shopping in style.
Baldock is one of 11 Hospice shops on the highstreet which support with funding our award-winning wellbeing and palliative care services for thousands of local people each year. However, as our services expand and the numbers of people in need of our support continues to rise, so does the income we need to raise. By adding a little love to our pre-loved shops, we hope to not only increase vital income, but elevate the shopping experience for our community.
When asked about what has changed, Richard Wayment, our Retail Director, said:
“Not only have we enhanced the look and feel of our Baldock shop, the overall shopping experience has improved as we have new products in store. Our customers have told us they would like to see more fashion, menswear, shoes, handbags, accessories and items for the home. So this is what we have focused on - offering a wider range of high quality pre-loved products at great value.
We have also introduced a new hot drinks machine and a cosy seating area so our customers can enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea while they shop. Our staff and volunteers love chatting with customers and we want to build on the hospitality they experience by offering an environment where people can truly make themselves feel at home. If the coffee and tea catches on, we’ll upgrade our coffee maker for sure!
We are delighted with the way our Baldock shop refit has come together - a real team effort and I am confident that our new and improved shop will be well received by our local community. Please do pop in the next time you’re in town - our staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming you.”
One of Baldock’s regular customers, Katherine, was one of the first people to make a purchase in the new shop:
“I have lived in Baldock for years. Visiting the Hospice shop has become part of my weekly routine. I go in at least twice a week and always come away with a little treasure or two. The new look feels very much like a ‘proper shop’ - I shop here because the Hospice supported my husband following a dementia diagnosis and they were absolutely wonderful. They now also support me; I attend the weekly wellbeing hubs and it really keeps me going and has brought hope back into my life after my husband died. It is so much more than a charity shop. My life would be very different without their services or shops to visit and I am loving the new look and shopping experience.”
Judy Flack, a Hospice service user, had the honour of cutting the ribbon:
“I was honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon to open the refurbishment today. I’ve had associations with the Hospice for a number of years after my husband was a patient 20 years ago. Since then, I have taken advantage of a number of the services including the Wellbeing Hubs and Compassionate Neighbours. I’m happy to support the Hospice in any way I can.”
Our Baldock shop is located at 26 Whitehorse Street and is open Monday - Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 10.00am - 4.00pm.
The Baldock shop is just the first of our local shops to be refitted - there will be more exciting transformations on the way, so keep an eye out for more updates. If you’re not already following us on social media, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram.
High quality donations needed!
The shop urgently needs quality donations, especially household items, clothing, handbags, accessories and footwear. Items can be donated every day of the week but please note that during busy periods the times and days donations are accepted may change.
Telephone: 01462 558083
Email: baldock.shop@ghhospicecare.org.uk
You can also drop your donations off at The Depot where items are sorted before being sent out to the hospice shops. The Depot is located at 1 Protea Way, Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1JT. The donation days are Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm and Saturday 10am-5pm.
With pre-loved and new items in-store there are many reasons to visit. Every item you buy will not only get you a great bargain, but the money you give will also help the Hospice to continue to care for people in the local community.
