Queues and record sales as our Superstore opens

06 Feb 2025 | View all news

Shoppers keen to grab a bargain queued for the opening of our new-look Superstore, now Stafford’s largest charity shop.

More than 500 customers turned up to the opening of our Stafford Superstore on Friday, 31 January resulting in record sales of £4,800 for the day. Sales topped an astonishing £7,200 over the weekend – the best ever weekend sales for one of our shops.

Our retail operation contributed £1.6 million towards care services last year. It costs almost £4 million a year to provide free specialist care to families living with incurable illnesses.

Our shop on St Alban’s Road has undergone a huge expansion and refurbishment, making it around 19,000 sq ft, and improving the shopping and donations experience.

Special guests

The Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Frank James and his daughter, Mayoress Mrs Sara Peters were among the shoppers. All were delighted to get the special 35% discount offered to celebrate our 35th Anniversary.

“We marked the occasion with a special discount to thank the community for the support they have shown our charity over the past 35 years,” said Simon Dodd, Retail General Manager.

“It was a fantastic turnout with hundreds of people coming throughout the day. The fact that the store continued to thrive into the weekend shows just how much the community values our charity. I’d like to thank everyone who has donated or purchased items from us over the years.”

Staff, volunteers and friends of our charity all attended the event.

“We were delighted to be able to pop along and show our support on the day,” said Katrina Pearce, Health Care Assistant, Hospice at Home.

“As care staff, we all appreciate that without our retail operation, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the extensive and vital services we do.”

Hundreds of people in coats queuing outside the shop entrance
Mayoress Sara Peters with Mayor Councillor Frank James and Kat Pearce from Hospice at Home

What our shoppers say

Among the shoppers were Ellen from Shropshire and her mum, Sue.

Ellen said: “We’ve shopped here a few times and came especially for the opening.

“This shop is brilliant as it sells everything. I like to shop here to support the charity. The new-look is great.”

Lucas from Stafford said:

“I come to this shop quite often as it’s my favourite shop in Stafford. I like to browse and very often buy things. The new-look store is a big improvement.”

Paula from Stafford commented:

“It’s very important to to to support our local hospice especially as I am going to be using the services they offer.

“And it’s so great to see so many local people at the opening, supporting their local hospice. There are plenty of bargains here.”

A lady in a pink jumper standing next to another older lady in a blue coat inside the shop
Ellen and mum, Sue
A man with a beard and glasses standing next to the menswear rail inside the shop
Lucas admiring the new range of menswear
Lady wearing cream jumper and black body warmer holding up some books
Paula with her bargain books

Since 1989, we have cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families.

We currently operate 14 shops in Stafford and the surrounding areas including an eBay shop and plan on opening another store in Rugeley in the near future.

Photo gallery