Thames Hospice to open new charity superstore this Autumn

Thames Hospice is set to open a new charity superstore this September.  

The superstore, a first for the hospice, will become its largest shop when it opens at 16 Richfield Avenue in Reading.

It sees the old Fun and Frolics building previously at the site, transformed into a new store offering clothes, restored furniture, and restoration services.

As part of the superstore opening, the Thames Hospice branch in Church Street, Caversham will close.

Thames Hospice’s director of retail Julie Rowley said: “Our Superstore will lead the way in sustainable charity shopping on the grandest of scales.

“It will bring together a vast selection of preloved clothes for all, vintage treasures, books and children’s toys, furniture, upcycling services, and a welcoming café all under one roof.”

The superstore will feature an ‘extensive’ selection of clothes for men, woman and children; a ‘vast’ range of pre-owned furniture; and a large toy and games section.

In addition, the charity’s in-store Home Studio will provide customers with upcycling workshops as well as access to furniture restoration services.

And there are also plans for the store to offer a Repair Shop to add more ‘cost effective’ fixes for shoppers.

Julie added: “We really have put a lot of thought into ensuring our customers have the best shopping experience at our new Superstore, including ample parking onsite, as well as a café serving a delicious selection of beverages and light refreshments.”

The Church Street store in Caversham, which has operated for more than five years, is expected to close on 19 July 2024 and the Thames Hospice Superstore will open in September 2024 at 16 Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8EQ.

“We’d like to thank our wonderful customers for their loyal support and are very excited to be building on this success with the launch of our new Superstore,” said Julie.

We’ll be relocating and supersizing our current charity store in Church Street in Caversham.

 “It’s a really exciting time and I, and our committed team of volunteers, cannot wait to truly make this store something for everyone in the community.

“We want the Superstore to be a real asset for the town, encouraging sustainable living for Reading and further afield.”

To find out more about the charity superstore and volunteering opportunities, visit the hospice’s website.