With almost 200 square metres of retail space, the shop will be one of the charity’s larger high street stores. The move will also create a new feature: a dedicated preloved book department, complete with a reading area.

While the shop will retain its unique focus on antiques and collectable items, the expanded space will improve the overall shopping experience. The current site, on the corner of Greengate Street and Mill Street, has been part of the Katharine House Hospice retail family for 21 years but is one of the smallest in the charity’s portfolio.  

Commenting on the move, David Fletcher, Director of Care at Katharine House Hospice, said: “Our charity shops contribute nearly a third of the funding that keeps our free specialist care going, making them vital to everything we do.

“When we invest in our shops, we’re investing in our community and our ability to fund the care we wish to provide today, tomorrow, and the future.”

Annually, Katharine House Hospice shops raise over £1 million to help fund the free, specialist care the charity provides for people living with incurable illnesses.

Retail General Manager, Simon Dodd, said: “Our Collectables shop has a distinctive charm, and we were keen to keep that character while making the move to new premises.

“Our loyal customers, staff, and volunteers have supported us for many years, so we wanted to add something extra. Buying preloved items is not only more affordable, it’s better for the planet,” Simon added.

According to IT-Recycle UK, approximately 320 million books are discarded in the UK each year.

“We’re thrilled about the move,” said Mary Larigo, Collectables’ Shop Manager. Mary has worked for the charity for 27 years in various roles before managing Collectables.

“The new location gives us room to grow and generate even more funds for the charity.

“Our preloved books and reading area will be a perfect match for the shop’s quirky personality. And we can’t wait to welcome customers to this new space.”