It’s bargains bargains bargains!
Old Co-op to be community hub and two shops
AN OLD Co-op has been transformed into a community hub and two shops selling second-hand clothes, furniture and household goods at knockdown prices.
Rehoboth Emporium has taken on the Burslem unit, and is getting ready for the official launch in two weeks’ time.
Next door will be a store selling reclaimed furniture and to the other side will be a multi-purpose centre helping out those in need.
The venture is the brainchild of Lydia Palmer, the pastor at St John’s Church in Burslem.
The 56-year-old, of Burslem, said: “We originally started at the beginning of lockdown. We carried on running a food bank and we started getting clothes delivered in bags. We did not know what to do with them. We were getting clothes left, right and centre.
“We opened a distribution centre across the road from the church. Social services come to the distribution centre to kit out families in crisis and women fleeing domestic violence, and we cater for the homeless. We have some really good designer stuff.
“We saw this space, the old Co-op, and it is perfect for what we need. The Emporium will stock good quality clothing for men, women and children at an affordable price. There will be a furniture section that will stock pre-loved and upcycled furniture. There will also be artwork and household goods available.
“And there will be a vibrant community hub providing all sorts of activities for the community such as support sessions and sessions for the deaf.”
Lydia said the Rehoboth Well Community Interest Company (CIC) had secured the building on a ‘peppercorn rent’.
“The landlord has been brilliant,” she said. “We need landlords like him. We want people to carry on donating their old clothes and furniture. We can do house clearances as well.
“We can upcycle furniture. What we make in the shop will all go back into the community.”
Volunteer Pat Travers, aged 74, of Burslem, said: “I will work as many hours as I am needed. Everything is cleaned and ironed. A lot is almost brand new. There is a lot of designer clothing.”
David Garner, aged 85, of Burslem, is giving his time to upcycle furniture. He said: “We have a van and we do house clearances.”
His wife, Mary, aged 84, also volunteers. She said: “I enjoy it. As we are getting older we need to keep active. I have been helping out in the distribution centre.”
Laura Axon, aged 38, said: “I started helping out during covid and saw how much the community needs help. This is going to be a success.”
Charli Brough, aged 49, of Biddulph, a director of the CIC, will be involved in the community hub. She said: “I do sign language. There are going to be a lot more courses for the community. Burslem is on the up. We want people to donate time, not just clothes, to give people a sense of wellbeing.”
The shop received a big thumbs up from shoppers at a ‘soft opening’ on Monday. Katrina Blase, aged 42, of Burslem, said: “It is nice. It is about time we had something in Burslem as we have not got anything. It is a good way to use an empty building. The clothes are of lovely quality, the shop is laid out nice, the prices are good, there is something for everybody.”
Che Thirloway, aged 49, of Middleport, added: “It is beautifully set out. It is not too cluttered and there are some lovely colours. There is designer clothing at reasonable prices.”