Isabel Hospice is due to open a second shop in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford on South Street in April. The spacious new 1,357sqft shop, is currently undergoing a stylish and contemporary fit-out and promises to be an exciting new addition to the town.
The shop will be dedicated to selling a large array of preloved quality items, from clothing and accessories to homeware – promising something for everyone. Profits from every purchase contributes towards changing the lives of people in the local community, who need specialist care and support living with a terminal or life-limiting illness.
The new shop will operate alongside the already well-established Bridge Street branch. Established over 30 years ago, and as one of only a handful of shops with such a long history in the town, the original Bishop’s Stortford branch continues to generate substantial funds for the hospice charity each year. Last year, it helped to pay for over 1,175 in-patient nursing hours, or alternatively 1,061 hours of end-of-life care from the Hospice at Home team.
Isabel Hospice’s Head of Retail & Marketing, Charlotte Greenwood, comments on the exciting new venture, “We are thrilled to announce our upcoming new shop to the people of Bishop’s Stortford. We already have a loyal customer base in the community and now they will have double the choice of unique preloved items across Clothing and Homeware at great value prices. Customers can shop sustainably with us whilst knowing that that their money funds the love and care that we provide to our patients and their families at such a difficult time.”
As the charity’s seventeenth outlet, the expansion heavily aligns with Isabel’s sustainability strategy, the Tonnes of Care initiative, launched in 2022 and conceived with a mission to turn pre-loved items into nursing hours. In fact, one of Isabel’s Tonnes of Care partners, Aurora Lighting based in Welwyn Garden City, are supporting the re-fit of the new Bishop’s Stortford shop by generously donating LED track lighting and lighting design expertise, to elevate the customer shopping experience.
Charity shops have long been recognised as more than just places to find second-hand bargains. They play a pivotal role in supporting the circular economy and promoting sustainability. Having opened a successful women’s sustainable fashion boutique in Welwyn Village last September, this new endeavour is intended to be one of many more across eastern Hertfordshire over the next couple of years. Additionally, Isabel Hospice also runs a diverse eBay shop, selling high value niche items, antiques and collectables.
Bishop’s Stortford resident, Renee Friend, Isabel Hospice volunteer of 35 years, fundraiser and ambassador, recognises the positive impact the milestone will have, “I’m so pleased that Isabel Hospice are expanding their presence in Bishop’s Stortford and opening a second shop on the high street. The charity is very close to my heart and having had a personal connection to the hospice many years ago, I continue to dedicate much of my time fundraising for the cause. Isabel Hospice run weekly Compassionate Neighbours Cafés, Grief Encounters bereavement support, and Living Well services, at the Methodist Church also on South Street.”
“I am so excited for the shop opening and urge all to pop in for a browse, donate items or even volunteer. The plans are very exciting and it will really raise the bar for the charity shopping experience, whilst of course raising money for a great local charity.”
Charlotte ends, “The incredible impact our charity shops have on the Hospice would not be possible without the unwavering support of dedicated volunteers. We heavily rely on volunteers to support the running of Isabel’s shops. Our opportunities are very flexible, even giving 2 hours or a morning or afternoon of your time each week, benefits the charity immensely. I’m confident we have a role to suit anyone’s skills and experience, including sales assistants, greeters and stock sorters.”
If you have an interest in retail, fashion, or sustainable shopping and would like to give volunteering a go, email volunteer.office@isabelhospice.org.uk, call 01707 382500 option 4, or pop in to the Bridge Street shop for more information. Roles are available Monday to Sunday and no previous experience is necessary as a training induction is provided. Details are also available at www.isabelhospice.org.uk/volunteer.
The grand opening of the new shop is on Saturday 6th April 2024 from 12pm. Follow @IsabelHospiceShops to keep up to date.
Photo info: Sheena Bryson, Shop Manager and Lloyd Martin, Assistant Shop Manager at Bishop’s Stortford
