Giant Preston department store to reopen for the benefit of the local community

A 120,000 square foot department store in Preston is being transformed into a sustainable social enterprise by homelessness charity Emmaus Preston.

The Emmaus Department Store will be one of the largest charity outlets in the UK, located in the property previously occupied by Debenhams at Fishergate Shopping Centre in the city centre.

Shoppers will find a wide range of quality pre-loved furniture and fashion as well as new items, including kitchen appliances, leather sofas and beds. All goods on sale will raise the vital funds needed to sustain the Emmaus community’s homes in Lancashire.

Emmaus Preston is a charity that provides a home, tailored support and work opportunities to people who have experienced homelessness. People supported by the charity will be able to gain skills and work experience within the new Emmaus Department Store, helping them to progress in their lives.

John is being supported by Emmaus Preston after becoming street homeless when the pressures of rising rent and bills forced him out of work and his home of 23 years in Bamber Bridge.

John helps the charity by driving the furniture collections and deliveries van. He said: “It’s that sense of contributing to the local community that’s important to me. Everything raised from what people take off these racks goes to Emmaus and helps this charity support people. Come to Emmaus Department Store to open your eyes to a wider world of people who have been homeless and are changing their lives.”

Doors will open at 11am on Friday 14 March, with the nation’s quizmaster, former BBC Radio 2 presenter, Jay Flynn MBE, cutting the ribbon at the store entrance leading off Fishergate high street. Jay from Darwen in Lancashire became an ambassador for Emmaus UK after experiencing street homelessness for two years in his mid-twenties.

Jay celebrates the 5th anniversary of his world-famous virtual quiz in March and will give out cryptic clues to visitors, with anyone answering everything correctly receiving free entry into a prize draw for a £100 off store voucher. Families can pick up a quiz for under 18s during the opening weekend for the chance to win a £50 store voucher prize.

Jay, said: “Opening this incredible new store is a testament and sign of Emmaus’ strength and commitment to helping people move on from homelessness. The scope and sheer size mean that it won’t just benefit people whom the homelessness charity supports, but also the wider community. Everyone involved in making this happen should be proud of what they have achieved.”

The opening comes amid growth in the second-hand shopping market, with the Office for National Statistics reporting a rise in second-hand retail sales and volume from 2023 to 2024.

In addition, the latest market analysis from the Charity Retail Association showed total retail income from customer sales in charity shops increasing over a year with a 1.2% year-on-year rise in July to September 2024. Almost half of charities surveyed planned on opening a shop in the last six months.

Stephen Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus Preston, said: “Emmaus Department Store is one of a kind – a sustainable social enterprise for the benefit of local people. It is a flagship store for Preston and Emmaus, involving formerly homeless people in every aspect of running the social enterprise, helping develop skills and work experience.

“Our new Emmaus Department Store is a shining example of people supporting others, breathing new life into a community asset, for the benefit of people. We encourage everyone to see the Emmaus Department Store for themselves and join us for the very special opening event.”

Emmaus Preston is part of a federation of more than 30 Emmaus charities, which provide homes, support, training and work opportunities for 850 people with experience of homelessness and social exclusion across the UK.

The Emmaus Department Store will open on Friday 14 March at 11am and will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

To learn more about Emmaus Preston, visit https://emmaus.org.uk/preston/

03/03/2025 08:33