The RSPCA charity shop in St James’ Street, Newport, is to close this weekend ahead of a move to a new store next month.
And to mark the end of ten years at its current location, the shop is going out in style by creating a distinctly Halloween feel and inviting customers old and new to visit the store in its final few days.
New premises on Carisbrooke Road
Earlier this year the RSPCA Isle of Wight branch was served notice by the landlord to move out by the end of December. That prompted an urgent search for a new premises which resulted in a new store – at 6-8 Carisbrooke Road – being found.
Work is already underway to ensure that premises opens in November and the store in St James Street is being closed after trading on Saturday so all the focus can be applied to the move.
The Isle of Wight RSPCA branch receives no direct funding from the national organisation and so relies heavily on income from its network of charity shops in order to fund its work at the IW Rescue Centre at Godshill.
Pugh: We see this as a really exciting opportunity
Suzanne Pugh, branch manager, said,
“It was a bit of a surprise when we received notice on the St James Street shop, but we have a positive outlook and we see this as a really exciting opportunity to move to new premises.
“Although we will be closed for four to six weeks, we aim to re-launch in mid-November to meet the demands of the seasonal shopping period which is so important to us.
“We thank everyone for supporting the shop over the last decade and hope to see everyone back shopping for the animals at our new Carisbrooke location.”
A prominent position on the street
The new shop has a prominent position on the street and is well served by parking from quick drop-off spaces and a paid public car park at the rear. It is also well served by local bus service.
Newport Shop Manager Emma Fautley thanked the store’s customers for their support over the past decade.
She said,
“We really couldn’t operate without all our regular customers’ who donate and shop for the animals.
“After five years managing the store, I am still amazed at the generosity of our donors and how they have enabled me to fill the Newport store with a wide range of quality items.
“All the wonderful volunteers who have worked here have really enjoyed seeing all our friends on a regular basis and we look forward to seeing them all again at the new store.”
50 per cent sale on Halloween stock
Emma said that all items in the store must go ahead of the weekend closure and that all items except the Halloween stock will be reduced by 50 per cent until its doors close at 4pm on Saturday (9th October).
Suzanne added,
“The Newport charity shop is one of the busiest in our retail operation and provides a great community service receiving, sorting and upcycling lots of donated products that may otherwise find their way to landfill. All funds generated help domestic and wild animals in need on the Island.”
To find out more about RSPCA Isle of Wight – including volunteering opportunities and ways to donate to the charity – visit the Website.
News shared by Gavin on behalf of Isle of Wight RSPCA. Ed
