A brand-new Julia’s House shop has received a warm welcome by the local community with the Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor George Farquhar and his consort, greyhound Billy and joined by the town crier, David Craner, officially opening the store with a ribbon cutting.
The new Westbourne shop, in the bustling shopping area in Poole Road, offers a range of good quality pre-loved items from women’s and men’s clothing and shoes as well as homeware, jewellery and books, all at affordable prices and supporting local charity, Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.
During the opening, the mayor took the opportunity to award Ebony Robinson, Julia’s House Ambassador, with the ‘Mayor’s Award.’ The award gives special recognition to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, particularly through voluntary work.
Natasha Burkin, Head of Retail at Julia’s House, said, “It’s fantastic to be able to open our fifteenth shop right in the heart of the Westbourne community. We are so excited to welcome customers through the doors and show them what Julia’s House has to offer. In fact, we had a customer visit a few days ago, before our official shop signage had been installed, and she commented that she thought the shop was a new boutique store rather than a charity shop and was really surprised and impressed by the layout and presentation.
“While the Westbourne shop will offer a treasure trove of pre-loved items to buy, it will specialise in jewellery and in particular children’s clothing to provide local families with the opportunity to purchase affordable kids clothes.”
Each of Julia’s House charity shops have been sustainably and stylishly transformed by Julia’s House central Shop and Warehouse Manager, Dave Hutchings, and his dedicated team of volunteers. Every shop is thoughtfully and expertly fitted out with reused and repurposed materials including the cash desk, flooring and display units, providing customers with a unique and welcoming feel, with regularly refreshed and beautiful displays each time they shop.
Interest in the shop has grown since it opened at the end of February and Shop Manager, Kara- Beth Walsh, said: “We’ve had a great start since we opened the shop with plenty of customers coming to see us and feedback has been really positive. We are thrilled to be part of the Westbourne community, who have already made us feel really welcome and well supported. It’s great to be among other charities and local businesses creating a great shopping experience for the public.”
Julia’s House Westbourne shop is open six days a week: Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Donations and volunteers are very welcome. Please enquire in store, visit www.juliashouse.org/shop or email westbourne.shop@juliashouse.org