Bristol's First 'Department Store' Style Charity Shop Opens on the Gloucester Road

Bristol’s first ‘department store’ style charity shop has opened its doors with circus performers marking the occasion. The St. Peter’s Hospice shop on Gloucester Road is being billed as the city’s first mini ‘department store’ charity shop with sections for menswear, childrenswear, furniture, books, bric-a-brac and a vintage section.

The 4,000 sq ft space, previously home to Tile Flair, was taken by the charity after its smaller Horfield shop was closed.

The two-storey store was officially opened by Grant Pearcy whose mother was cared for by the hospice, based in Brentry. Grant performed a song he wrote for his mother and stilt walkers and jugglers from Circomedia also entertained the crowds.

Janet Loud, head of shops for St. Peter’s Hospice said: “We are Bristol’s largest charity retailer with nearly 50 shops across the city, but this is our first mini department store. 

“With two-storeys stacked out with goods, some great bargains can be found. We are always looking for items to be donated as well, however big or small.

“We have a big furniture section in this store so we’d love some interesting pieces to sell.”

St. Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice caring for local people with incurable diseases and giving them a better quality of life. All care is provided free of charge but with the NHS contributing just 23% of the £6 million needed to run the hospice yearly, support from the public is essential.

Last year the hospice cared for 2,000 patients in the region and supported over 6,000 family members, including children.

Karen Schlapfer shop manager at the Gloucester Road store said: “The opening was a great success, we wanted to make a bit of a song and dance about it because it is the first of its kind in the city, and everyone who came was really impressed.

“Charity shops have definitely grown in popularity in the last few years. I think the high quality of the products we are receiving has been a great help and also the fact that the economy is struggling has meant that people are always looking for ways to bag a bargain.”

For more information about St. Peter’s Hospice visit www.stpetershospice.org.uk

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