Our homelessness charity Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland yesterday celebrated the opening of our newly expanded Emporium shop on Stockwell Head with a special ribbon-cutting.
The Emporium charity shop, which is already the largest in Hinckley, used to specialise in furniture and household goods; it is now home to an additional 3000 sq. ft. second-hand clothing Boutique.
Thanks to everyone who came along to shop and support us on our opening day.
The plans were put in place last summer, when we took ownership of our Emporium shop we’d previously rented, plus the two vacant buildings either side. The property purchases were made possible thanks to a £15,000 grant from Leicestershire County Council, as well as funds from Emmaus UK of £100,000.
La Boutique, the charity’s clothing shop on Castle Street, closed its doors earlier this year, ahead of moving to inside the newly expanded Emporium store.
Speaking about the change, our Operations Manager Matthew Taylor said: “We’ve had the builders in for weeks, knocking through into the property next door and creating a really nice retail space for our clothing shop. Our massive Emporium has always been incredibly popular with customers looking for second-hand furniture and household goods. It’s so exciting to be able to offer preloved clothing as well, under the same roof.”
Helping to raise funds
Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland offers people who have experienced homelessness a safe home for as long as they need it, alongside day-to-day support, funded training, and the opportunity to gain new skills and work experience. We’ll now begin raising funds to reach their longer-term goal of converting the vacant property on the other side of the Emporium into brand new accommodation for the people we support.
Speaking about the plans Peter Savage, Chair of Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, said: “This is the first step towards bigger and better things for our charity. We’re delighted with the Emporium extension and hope that local people will continue to shop with us and help raise the money to build bedrooms and living spaces next door. This means that in future we’ll be able to offer a home and support to many more formerly homeless people, all on one site.”
The Boutique in the Emmaus Emporium on Stockwell Head is open Monday to Saturday: 9.30am – 4pm.
Any donated items for resale can be dropped off during opening hours (there’s free parking). We also offer a free collection service for furniture and larger goods.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.