Emmaus Suffolk is delighted to announce that we have opened a new warehouse in Ipswich. This will give us the ability to stock more items, take in even more donations and start to sell online, protecting our income in case we face another COVID-19 lockdown.
Emmaus Suffolk works with vulnerable, socially isolated and those at risk of homelessness across the county. We are primarily self-funded thanks to our shops in Ipswich and Felixstowe, but like many charities, we were forced to temporarily close our shops earlier this year, resulting in a loss of income.
To ensure we are future-proofed financially against any similar lockdown events, Emmaus Suffolk has taken on a new 80 ft warehouse in Gower Street, Ipswich, which will enable us to sell items, including second-hand furniture, home wears and vintage/designer clothing, online as well as via our shops. This new warehouse will additionally provide new opportunities for those experiencing social isolation in the county to be involved and work at Emmaus Suffolk.
Shoppers can view and buy items online via Instagram (@EmmausSuffolkStyle), or can make an appointment to view items in the warehouse on Saturdays by emailing [email protected]. Visitors to the Emmaus shops in Ipswich and Felixstowe can also view items in the warehouse remotely thanks to tablets with internet connection being made available for shoppers to use instore.
The warehouse was officially opened on Tuesday 6th October by Emmaus Suffolk Chief Executive Claire Staddon and Councillor David Ellesmere from Ipswich Borough Council. Talking about the new warehouse, David Ellesmere says:
“I was really pleased to see our new tenants Emmaus in their warehouse today. This is a new departure for them as they respond to coronavirus by moving their furniture operation online. It’s great to see how our local voluntary organisations are innovating to deal with the new challenges they face. The work of Emmaus helping people to improve their employability and find jobs is going to become even more important in the future.”
The new warehouse also means that Emmaus Suffolk can increase the number of donations it can take in at any time. As well as clothes, home wear and bric-a-brac, the charity takes in donations of furniture and household goods, offering low income families more choice of affordable goods whilst encouraging domestic recycling in the local community. Each piece of furniture is evaluated and, if needed, upcycled and then put into the shop for sale. All this work is done by volunteers supported by Emmaus Suffolk.