A new charity shop in Consett has made record-breaking sales when it opened its doors for the first time on Thursday this week (14 October).
Located on Victoria Road in the town centre, the shop was launched by Willow Burn Hospice to generate income to fund hospice care in Derwentside. The new shop was officially opened by long service volunteer, Maureen Gallagher, who has volunteered for the charity for over 20 years. Shoppers were treated to goody bags and Bucks Fizz as they joined the team to celebrate the first day of trading.
Sally Ruddle, Head of Retail at Willow Burn Hospice, said: “The whole team is absolutely thrilled with how successful the first day has been. Our aim each and every day is to raise vital income so that our colleagues at the hospice can continue to provide care to those living with life-limiting illnesses in our community.
We have been very excited about the move as the new premises is in a bustling location, next to high street brands and the bus station. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped with the move and refit, including staff, volunteers and our partners in the community. Good luck to Tracy (Shop Manager) and team Consett in their new retail home.”
Willow Burn has been part of the Consett retail community for many years, having previously operated a book shop and more recently a charity shop on John Street, which closed last week, so that it can be transformed into a wedding pop-up shop later this year. As well as the hospice team, many Consett businesses were part of the shop fit-out and move including Consett Carpet Centre, Aspect Voice and JCS Security Systems.
Willow Burn is a nurse-led hospice located on Howden Bank in Lanchester and is a state-of-the-art facility offering specialist supportive, palliative and end of life care, including in-patient care, respite, day services and bereavement and family support.
The new shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am – 4pm. For further information about Willow Burn Hospice and the new shop in Consett, please visit: www.willow-burn.co.uk
