‘HECTIC’ FIRST DAY FOR NEW CHARITY SHOP
Proceeds help tackle furniture poverty
SHOPPERS snapped up bargains as a charity opened a bigger and better store inside Stoke-on-trent’s main shopping centre.
Emmaus North Staffs has moved from Cannon Place, Hanley, to the Potteries Centre’s Lower Mall, opposite New Look.
Staff told The Sentinel that business was brisk on Monday’s opening day and shoppers were pleased with the stock on sale.
Carmen Mckenna Sandin, aged 22, the store’s volunteer coordinator, said: “The first day in the new shop was busy and hectic.
“A lot of work has gone into getting the store ready. Customers have been very complimentary. And we have had a few big purchases including someone buying a sofa.
“We receive donations of furniture, bric a brac and clothing and we collect things such as electrical items.
“But we do not sell second hand white goods. All the white goods and beds are new. We help people experiencing furniture poverty.
“It was a nice, busy day. We had a lot of people walk past in recent days asking when we were open. There has been a lot of excitement. The shop has definitely got a lot of attention which is really nice as we have worked really hard to make it look really professional.”
Customer Martin Bayley-spencer, aged 73, of Hanley, above, was very impressed with the shop.
He said: “The layout is not too cluttered. You can see things clearly from outside which I think is very good.
“The two young ladies I dealt with were very pleasant.
“I bought a shirt, a pair of jeans and some shoes for a fraction of the price they would normally be, probably a quarter of what you would normally pay.”
Shop proceeds will go towards tackling furniture poverty across North Staffordshire. The charity supports more than 800 households every year.
Earlier this month charity leader John Webbe said: “It is great to be part of the popular Potteries Centre and we cannot wait to welcome customers to experience our new store.
“This shop will be different because we will have a whole area dedicated to brand new beds and white goods at discount prices. Customers will be able to browse the models on offer and then place an order for delivery in the local area.”
The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.