Isabel Hospice, is set to open a new shop dedicated to women’s pre-loved fashion in September. The new shop, located in Old Welwyn, promises to be an exciting new addition to the Highstreet, stepping away from the ‘traditional’ charity shop and focusing on affordable, sustainable fashion in a boutique environment.
It will be on the former site of the much-loved shop Susu and the hope is to continue their legacy and exclusively sell women’s clothing and accessories, whilst raising vital funds for the palliative care the hospice provides to the local community.
Isabel Hospice’s Head of Retail & Marketing, Charlotte Greenwood, commented on next month’s launch, “We are so excited to launch our new shop to the people of Welwyn. The pre-loved fashion market is experiencing a surge and it has become fashionable to shop second hand. It is great that shoppers are changing their mindset and becoming more mindful of the effects of fast fashion on the environment.”
“Thrifting has become a hobby for many and the thrill of finding a bargain whilst supporting the circular economy is a win-win. Whilst not forgetting, profits from every purchase contribute towards changing the lives of people in the local community, who need specialist care and support living with a terminal or life-limiting illness.”
“We feel that our shop name, ‘Always Loved by Isabel Hospice’ embraces both these messages and speaks to the unique preloved items in our shop, and the love and care that we provide to our patients and their families at such a difficult time.”
The new shop, the charity’s sixteenth outlet, 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. The boutique is also set to be the first of new shops opening across eastern Hertfordshire for the Hospice.
Charlotte ends, “We can’t wait for opening weekend and to meet our new customers of Old Welwyn! Please do make sure to pop in and say hello whilst sifting through our rails. All stock will be carefully curated for the boutique, and we believe you’ll find some great unique, and quality pieces to really enhance your wardrobe!”
“We do need the community’s support in donations to help us open fully stocked so if you’ve been meaning to have a wardrobe clear out, then now is your chance to donate those items to us and really make a difference.”
You can drop your donations off at the dedicated Donation Centre in Welwyn Garden City. The convenient facility allows you to simply park up at the door and is open Monday to Saturday, located at 61 Bridge Road East, AL7 1JR. Please find guidelines about what can be accepted at www.isabelhospice.org.uk/what-to-donate.
As a charity, Isabel Hospice also relies heavily on volunteers to support the running of Isabel’s shops, even giving 2 hours on an ad-hoc basis, or a morning or afternoon of your time each week benefits the charity immensely. Roles are available Monday to Saturday and no previous experience is necessary as training is provided.
If you have an interest in retail, fashion, and sustainable shopping, get in touch today. Email volunteer.office@isabelhospice.org.uk, or call 01707 382500, option 5. Details are also available at www.isabelhospice.org.uk/volunteer.
