New Shopping Venture at Hereford's Cattle Market

BEAT THE RECESSION WITH ST MICHAEL'S HOSPICE

St Michael's Hospice is launching a brand new concept at its shop in the Cattle Market in Hereford. Charity shops have seen a rise in customers through their doors in the past six months however the quality of stock has diminished, as noted by Mary Portas in her recent series of television programmes 'Mary Queen of Charity Shops'.

As customer numbers have increased, St Michael's shops require a comparable increase in stock to continue to offer a quality shopping experience. Most charity shops display their clothing for around four to six weeks, after this period the stock needs to be rotated to encourage customers to return.

The charity shop in the Cattle Market take stock that has previously been for sale in our other Hospice shops; these quality items will be hugely discounted from their original charity shop price, with many items being offered for £1.00. A full outfit of shoes, handbag, skirt and top could retail at just £4.00. We will also be offering an individually priced rail for those items that are extra special with quality high street names.

Nicola Wood, Head of Retail and Trading said, "Our aim is to encourage people to visit our shop in the Cattle Market, which has recently seen a lack of footfall due to the de-generation of this area; however there are still many businesses trading at the Cattle Market. This shop is run entirely by volunteers, as are 12 of our 15 charity shops. The commitment and dedication of volunteers has enabled our retail department to raise over £800,000 last year towards the care of local people at St Michael's Hospice. Times are hard for everyone, especially for retailers, and we need to keep abreast of our trading by offering something different. I do not believe that any other charity is offering this type of discounting under one roof."

Still on offer are the bric a brac range and books. Furniture and electrical goods will now be available at the Holme Lacy Road store and the Whitecross Road shop and furniture warehouse.

The official grand opening of our discount store will be on Thursday 16th July at 10am. The Wyvern FM Thunders will be there to celebrate this new venture with us, so come along and enjoy the music as well as a great new shopping experience!

Come along and help celebrate this new concept and keep us trading at the Cattle Market. For more information please contact Nicola Wood, Head of Retail and Trading, on 01432 851000.