A brand new branch of St Mary’s Hospice Shops is now open on Barrow’s Portland Walk in Barrow Town centre, in the heart of our community on 8th September at 10 am. Julie Barton – the High Sheriff of Cumbria officially opened the Re:love shop which is set out to be more than a charity shop and a brilliant boost for the town centre.
Caroline Welch, St Mary’s Head of Retail says: “We’ve saved lots of money by moving to this prime location which means we can make every penny work even harder. We simply want to make as much money as we can for the hospice. I’m most pleased for the staff and volunteers they’ve waited a long time for this and get the shop they deserve.”
A spokesperson for the shop said: “We’re not another charity shop! We’re Re:love by St Mary’s Hospice and we believe that charity retail doesn’t have to mean a second class shopping experience. Re: love is new, fresh and exciting and about to turn shopping in Barrow in Furness on its head! We believe our customers deserve the best, a stylish cutting edge shop floor, warm and friendly customer service. And excellent value for money and good quality stock that is replenished daily.”
Graham Jowett, St Mary’s Chair of Trustees thanked everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition including Caroline and her very skilled other half Jason (who even created the Re:love illuminated signs): “It is a new flagship development Re:love by St Mary’s.”
The High Sheriff of Cumbria, Julie Barton cut the ribbon and declared the shop open: “I’m delighted to be here. I love St Mary’s Hospice it’s about providing comfort, support and care to those with life limiting and long terms conditions and their families. It has always been a charity I love and now I get to re:love! It’s very exciting.”
St Mary’s Shop Volunteer Maureen Payne: “I have volunteered with St Mary’s for 3 years and I wanted to give something back volunteering, and St Mary’s was the first place I thought of. I think this shop is outstanding, it’s tip top!”
Customers shared comments including: “It’s a high class quality shop” with another customer adding: “It’s very nice, lots of different things and sizes at very reasonable pricing.”
The simple pricing structure – a colour coded label, helps customers with an easy shopping experience and great value for money.
Sarah Simpson, St Mary’s Communications and Marketing Manager said: “The shop taps into everything that has been reinforced through this time: our community and our services are vital, and the focus on reducing, reusing, recycling, reloving is a brilliant and sustainable way forward. Our hospice shops have always been at the heart of that and now Barrow gets an even bigger, brighter and better venue in the heart of our generous community.”
Colin Garnett, Barrow Bid Manager came along to show support: “It’s great to have the hospice more in the heart of Barrow. Barrovians are very generous people and are really giving, warm and friendly. St Mary’s is a great fit for that warmth and friendliness. For us at the Bid, it’s helping to create a hub to come and meet here. It’s giving them different reasons to come in to the town centre.”
The shop will be selling quality new and preloved donated clothing and homeware, with all profits directly funding vital hospice care and services for the community. The shop will be open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm, and everyone is invited to shop, donate and support.
For more information about all St Mary’s shops, opening hours and how make a donation please click the following link to Our Shops.
