The new Weldmar Hospicecare shop on East Street offers a brighter space for shoppers and donations, enhancing the community’s support.
The new shop is brighter and easier to navigate. It features a fresh layout and new fixtures. This change aims to enhance the shopping and donation experience.
Store manager Sue Sturt emphasizes the importance of donations. The charity faces funding cuts and needs community support to continue its services.
The shop offers various items, including clothing, shoes, books, and cookware. Shoppers were excited, with some queuing before the grand opening.
Regular shopper Mary praised the new look. She mentioned the lovely changing room and how smart the store appears.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Sally Gordon from the community nursing team. Volunteers, staff, and trustees celebrated the official opening together.
Weldmar’s 22 charity shops raise about £1.5 million annually. The Bridport store is the tenth to be refurbished, improving its contribution to the charity.
The changes also include better messaging about services for those with life-limiting illnesses. Refurbished shops have seen increased contributions.
The charity faces rising demand and costs. They estimate needing an additional £1 million this financial year. They require £27,500 daily to operate.
Additionally, they will lose £400,000 in NHS funding by April 2025.
Sue noted the local support in Bridport is vital. Many people have connections to the charity, making it a community effort.
She also mentioned the need to attract younger volunteers. Charity shops are becoming trendy, and they want to engage a new generation.
