Barnardo’s have opened their third charity Superstore, which is located at the popular Mallard Road Retail Park, Bournemouth.
Unit 7, Mallard Road Retail Park, Bournemouth, BH8 9PE, 01202 517047
This large retail space allows Barnardo’s to offer its customers a substantial range of goods in one place, including an exciting range of new goods.
There is also a dedicated drop-off point for Donations, and a delivery and collection service
Keep up to date with Barnardo’s Retail via their blog: www.the-thrift.co.uk or follow their Retail on Twitter
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BARNARDO’S FIRST SOUTHERN SUPERSTORE OPENS IN BOURNEMOUTH
The children’s charity Barnardo’s is opening its first-ever South of England charity superstore in Bournemouth this week (10am Friday, March 25) with a vast range of new and preloved items at bargain prices.
Five times the size of their usual shops, the 10,000 square feet store on the Mallard Road Retail Park will offer everything from clothing and accessories to furniture and electrical white goods. There will also be large ranges of new goods and with the stock constantly changing, shoppers will find different bargains every time they call in.
Bournemouth will be only the third charity superstore in the UK for Barnardo’s, the others being in Coventry and Bradford, and it marks a move towards a new generation of charity retail with the feel of a mainstream store but with charity shop prices.
David Longmore, Barnardo’s Head of Store Proposition and Development, said: “We are very excited about the Bournemouth superstore as it will allow us to offer ranges we can’t provide in our traditional high street stores, so that means furniture, white goods, and homeware as well as having extended ranges in our core departments of ladies’ and menswear, children’s clothes and toys, books, games, and entertainment. Free parking and a dedicated drop-off station for donations will make it easy for people to donate as well as shop.”
But despite the size of the store Barnardo’s wants it to become very much part of the local community. It will have community noticeboards and the charity is keen to attract a wide range of volunteers from the area.
David said: “While Barnardo’s online shops have proved really popular, there’s a friendly and community feel to coming into a store – even if it is just to have a chat and a browse around.”
The charity also recognises the changing trends in shopping habits. “There is a definite move by the public to buy clothes and household items sustainably – and we find people also want to dress to stand out from the crowd. That trend has seen a growing interest in our vintage and retro garments and accessories, and you just never know when you’ll pick up a designer bag or coat from us at a bargain price.”The new superstore’s manager is Steve Lambert who has worked in retail since he was 16 and has extensive experience in retail management. “I jumped at the chance of joining Barnardo’s. The charity represents such a good cause, working to improve children’s lives, and to open the first charity superstore for Barnardo’s in the south of England is very exciting. There really is nothing else like it in the area.
“Having free parking is a real bonus and the shop itself is fantastic with a vast range of stock. We are also able to deliver bulky items to shoppers’ homes and if people are donating furniture, we have a free collection service,” he said.
The superstore is employing 18 people and would also be keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer for a few hours each week. It is a great way to make new friends, gain confidence and develop new skills that can help towards future employment.
Anyone interested can pop into the store once it has opened or ring 01202 517047.