It’s all change on the High Street for Emmaus Colchester, as one shop closes and another is having a refresh and scheduled to reopen this autumn.
Retail manager, Gemma Aylesbury explains, “Although the Emporium, at 103-104 High Street, was closed at the beginning of lockdown, it has always been our intention to cease trading from the Emporium once its lease expired in September.
“It’s given us the opportunity to invest in the Home Shop, at 99 High Street, which has a larger trading space than the Emporium’s smaller premises. We are working on refreshing the shop and creating an enjoyable shopping experience for new and old customers alike.”
The shops revamp has been put in motion by a much larger project happening on the first floor, with accommodation being built for companions. It has meant that the shop floor has had to be reconfigured to allow access.
Denise King, CEO adds, “It has been a financially traumatic time for Emmaus Colchester, but COVID-19 has given us an opportunity to take stock and rethink our offer. We see our financial investment in the Home Shop, as an investment in our future, as there is still a high demand for supporting the homeless.
“While we realise online shopping is increasing, we firmly believe in the high street and the value that the ‘shopping experience’ offers. Our objective is to make the Home Shop an attractive experience, welcoming our current customers, while encouraging new customers who haven’t shopped with us before.
“We’d like to thank all of our customers for their patience while the Home Shop has been closed, and we look forward to welcoming them back very soon.”
Emmaus Colchester has two further shops in Colchester, with the New Life Shop on Crouch Street and The Works on Osborne Street. Find our shops