St Oswald’s Hospice reveal exciting new concept charity shop in Blyth
St Oswald’s Hospice have opened their first ever charity shop in Blyth. The new concept store is the 23rd St Oswald’s Hospice shop in the North East. It measures just under 4000 square feet and reimagines the traditional charity shop.
Stocking furniture, fashion, books, toys and more – the shop’s signage encourages customers to “Step into second-hand” as a more sustainable way to shop. The shop even has a coffee machine and hopes that shoppers will “Choose a book” and “Grab a cuppa”.
With onsite parking available and a fun donation hatch in store, it’s perfect for customers looking to donate their high quality and re-sellable pre-loved goods.
Andrew Moir, Head of Retail at St Oswald’s Hospice said: “It’s great to have a permanent presence in Blyth, an area that has shown the Hospice a lot of support over the years. Our new shop provides local residents with a sustainable way to shop, an easy and rewarding way to donate their pre-loved goods and of course some fantastic volunteering opportunities.”
The retail space is bright, modern and fun with lots of places to snap an ‘Instagram-able’ picture or two – thanks to an exciting collaboration with popular illustrator, James Dixon, from Lines Behind.
Based in Blyth himself, James has worked with North East organisations including Fenwick, Greggs and The Great North Run Company, now adding St Oswald’s Hospice to his catalogue of collaborations.
James Dixon, Founder & Creative Director of Lines Behind Ltd. said: “I love working with ambitious brands, more importantly organisations that help others. With that in mind St Oswald’s Hospice was the perfect fit. I was over the moon when they got in touch to work on a project together. It was an absolute joy to be involved with their Blyth shop fit and we wish St Oswald’s Hospice all the success!”
St Oswald’s Hospice hope that the impressive, huge Lines Behind mural on a board outside the shop will intrigue passers-by and encourage them to come in.
Talking about the design for the mural, James said: “Being able to apply our iconic Lines Behind illustrative style alongside the St Oswald’s Hospice brand was key. We’re all about the Community and Visual Culture – we have our own local stamp.”
The board and internal signs were installed and printed by local sign maker, Hooper Signs who have worked closely with the Hospice for years. The Lines Behind theme continues on shop shelving with framed artwork, printed by family run printing business, Penny Print.
The shop was opened on Tuesday 30 January by Anita Ball, Director of Income and Marketing at St Oswald’s Hospice – alongside 19-year-old, Blyth local, Amy Wilson Herron, and her family, as they officially cut the ribbon.
Amy has a number of complex, life-limiting conditions and has been having short breaks at St Oswald’s Hospice Children and Young Adults Service since 2010. She was really excited to open the new shop alongside her family.
Anita Ball said: “The team working and volunteering in our newest shop will help to raise essential funds for the charity, ensuring that thousands of people and families across the North East – including families from Blyth, like Amy’s – can receive outstanding and compassionate care at St Oswald’s Hospice.”
Amy’s dad, Andrew Wilson, added: “St Oswald’s Hospice is a life-saver for us. It’s Amy’s favourite place in the world and it gives us time to recuperate while she’s staying there. The staff are just awesome and we know Amy’s safe, happy – and she just loves it there!”
The Blyth shop is located on Albion Retail Park, Blyth, NE24 5BS and is open Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4.30pm.
01/02/2024 11:25