ON THE MOVE!
Furniture charity’s new store opening in Potteries Centre
QUALITY second-hand goods will soon be on sale in a prominent city centre spot – when a charity opens its new store.
Customers will find clothing, shoes, books, music, film, bric-abrac and furniture when they visit Emmaus North Staffs’ new location in Hanley’s Potteries Centre.
The shop, which opens on May 23, will also showcase new beds, mattresses and white goods – all available to order for delivery.
The move comes as Emmaus has revealed plans for workshops and the relocation of its warehouse as it continues to tackle furniture poverty.
Executive Lead John Webbe said it was great to be part of the Potteries Centre.
“We cannot wait to welcome customers to our new store,” he said. “This shop will also 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.”
Each year, Emmaus links with councils and housing associations to offer free items to more than 800 households without access to essential furniture and appliances.
Chair of trustees Claire Ashworth, said: “Our Potteries Centre store is the first step towards bigger and better things for our charity. We’re so pleased and hope local people will continue to shop with us and enable us to support the people who need it most.”
The charity is also providing various workshops to the public from the new shop, which has been welcomed by Potteries Centre general manager Amy Whittaker.
She said: “We’re always on the look-out for ways we can support charity-led enterprises and engage with local creatives, and so we are thrilled to welcome Emmaus to The Potteries Centre. #localandproud
“We believe the pre-loved retail space will add real value to our visitors’ experience, while the free woodwork courses present our community with the opportunity to develop a new skill, and even forge a pathway to a new career.”
Emmaus is also relocating its Furniture Mine warehouse store from Cannon Place, to a city centre location on a date to be confirmed.
Mr Webbe said the new warehouse would ‘be a huge benefit’ for the charity and the community. “Customers will have the opportunity to view and purchase larger items for the home in a bigger more accessible environment,” he added.
Emmaus is also working on plans for a community for people who have experienced homelessness, offering a home, work experience, daily support and funded training to rebuild lives. It says it will be the first of its kind in the county.
The new Emmaus shop will be on the lower ground floor opposite New Look and open Monday to Saturday. For details visit emmaus. org.uk/north-staffs