I'm excited for changes to the Upminster shop

As part of Secondhand September, we are featuring Kerry Nunn, the Retail Team Leader at Saint Francis Hospice’s shop in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster. Here she explains why, thinking like a customer is best for the charity and customers.

I’ve always loved charity shops and looking for a bargain. I love the quirkiness of it - You don’t always know what you are looking for until you find it! 

After five years at the shop, I can still say no two days are the same. The customers are different, and you never know what donations will come in. I also have a great team of volunteers who age from 19 to 85. 

Exciting changes coming soon!

Customers will notice some exciting changes coming to the store as it is being upgraded to make it more boutique-style. I always have a customer head on, and I want the shop to look interesting when people walk in. It’s not just about spending money, it is about having a browse and then hopefully customers will find something they like.  Donations are only priced at what I would be willing to spend and because we replenish our stock every week, there are always high-quality donations on sale at the best prices. 

We have recently installed new signage, so customers know what difference they are making to people who need the hospice, now and in the future. 

Our shop is making a real difference locally

My mum was cared for on the ward before she died of pancreatic cancer in 2011. She was only there for a day but the care and compassion she received in that short time was wonderful. It is just amazing the way people and their families are looked after.  

I love figures and targets, so I know what we need each day and I feel it is my way of contributing towards the care my mum was given. 

More than just a shop

The shop is an important part of the community. Most of our customers are very loyal and they may pop in two to three times a week.  

As a charity, we must remember that when someone is dropping off any donations, it may be their loved one’s possessions, it isn’t just a bag of jumpers and shirts. We are like a support service for customers too. Although we are a retail shop, people don’t simply come in, make a transaction and leave. Customers know we are a hospice shop; sometimes they are grieving, and we are always happy to listen and have a chat.