Barnardo’s opens first superstore
Melanie May | 27 October 2021 | News
Barnardo’s has opened a superstore in Coventry, selling clothes and accessories as well as new and preloved furniture.
The shop is the first of its kind for Barnardo’s and at 10,000 square feet in size, is its biggest retail outlet anywhere in the UK.
Located on one level in the city’s Central Six retail park, it is the 635th store that Barnardo’s has across the UK. As well as in-store sections selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, shoes and accessories, there is also a range of new and pre-loved household items and electrical white goods for sale.
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A café is being planned for the new store too, which will also give local community groups a place to meet outside of opening hours. This will open in the New Year and is the first eatery to be located in the retail park.
Lea McManus, Barnardo’s Store Development and Operations Lead said:
“This is the largest Barnardo’s store anywhere in the UK and we’re all very excited about it. 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. To help our customers feel comfortable while shopping, we have continued to keep a number of Covid safety measures in place such as sanitiser stations and masks, and our changing rooms also remained closed.
“There is definitely a 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!
“We would also like to hear from people of all ages who are interested in volunteering with Barnardo’s and of course we welcome donations of items that we can sell.”
Other charities that have opened superstores include Oxfam, which opened its first in Oxford in 2019, and Salvation Army, which opened one in Northampton 2017.
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.