The largest charity shop in the south west opened its doors in Creekmoor this autumn, when Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity unveiled its newly-expanded flagship store.
Julia’s House has created a one-stop department store offering larger items of furniture, fashions (including designer brands and jewellery) and homeware. The extended bridal room sells new and pre-loved wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns and Mother-of-the-Bride outfits and offers the services of a personal shopper.
Fitted out using reclaimed materials and vintage-style shop fittings, the store has retained the boutique-style interior that has become the trademark of Julia’s House charity shops, and dovetails perfectly with increased consumer demand for more sustainable fashion.
“A recent study by waste management agency BusinessWaste.co.uk suggests that the UK’s second hand item market could overtake the fast fashion market by 2029,” revealed Tracy Stanley, Retail Manager for Julia’s House. “This is great news for charity shops like ours, which have played a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact and the rise of the ethical consumer.”
The shop was officially opened by Julia’s House Chief Executive, Martin Edwards, and Ebony Robinson, who has been supported by Julia’s House and is now one of its Young Ambassadors.
Julia’s House currently has 10 shops in Dorset and 2 in Wiltshire and has become known for its unique interior style which has played a part in transforming the look and feel of charity shops locally. Dedicated to supporting the families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in Dorset and Wiltshire, Julia’s House provides bespoke care for every family it supports – at their home, in the community or at one of the charity’s two hospices in Corfe Mullen and Devizes.
The charity relies on the local community for 95 per cent of the funding required to run its vital service, and this fundraising may come in many ways – as a result of people donating goods at Julia’s House charity shops, fundraising locally, participating in challenge events or leaving gifts in Wills.
For more information visit www.juliashouse.org
Tel: 01202 644220