EAST CHESHIRE HOSPICE OPENS ECHO - 'A CHARITY SHOP LIKE NO OTHER'

ECHO becomes the newest name in shopping in Poynton when it opens its doors for the first time on Saturday, September 5.

The East Cheshire Hospice shop has a unique claim as one of the most eco-friendly stores around.

The Park Lane site will sell high-end sustainable fashion appealing to customers more aware of costs during Covid-19.

Fixtures and fittings are made from reclaimed materials and the shop, which has undergone major renovation, will be plastic-free.

Poynton is an important catchment area for the Hospice which identified the need for a greater presence there to reflect the number of its patients, volunteers and supporters from the village.

The opening was delayed by four months because of Covid-19 and the Hospice has already been encouraged by the public response, even before the first item is sold.

The Park Lane shop will sell ladies, men's and children's clothes, shoes, handbags, toys, bric-a-brac and furniture.  Opening hours are Monday to Saturday (9 am - 5 pm).

Shop manager Emma Lloyd said: "This will be a charity shop like no other, selling good quality clothing and furniture at affordable prices.  

"Value for money is even more important at the moment with the retail sector facing such a difficult time because of Covid-19. 

"We wanted a presence in Poynton and believe the timing is right to open and in an ideal location in the centre of the village. 

"We're confident we'll attract lots of customers whose support will benefit our patients.  All profits go directly to fund patient care.

"Poynton is in our catchment area, although some people mistakenly believe it's served by our friends from St Ann's Hospice."

The shop is the charity's fourth, with others at Thornton Square and Chestergate, Macclesfield, and Handforth.

Emma said: "Our customers will be saving money and saving the environment by buying our second-hand goods, some of which are designer items. 

"The feedback from the public as we've been preparing the shop and receiving donated items has been extremely positive. We want to thank our donors."

Staff and volunteers have been recruited and the Hospice is asking for any unwanted items to be delivered to the back of the shop where parking is available. Items will be quarantined for 72 hours. 

Furniture collections can be arranged by calling furniture co-ordinator and assistant manager Michele Slack on 01625 409647 or visit the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk.

Income from its charity shops provides a vital source of regular income for the Hospice, especially with fundraising revenue dropping significantly during the pandemic.

The business community rallied round during improvement work. Several firms including Bruntwood Properties, Ceiling Solutions, Cheshire Flooring and Andrew Delany Cabinet Makers and Carpenters supplied labour free of charge. 

Caddick Construction donated £5,000 for fixtures and fittings while Richard Johnson, Director of Chestergate Properties, provided voluntary conveyancing advice.   

Hospice Commercial Manager Louise Delany said: "The shop looks amazing and we'd like to say a massive thank you to all those who gave their time and skills to make it happen.

"The shop is spacious and stylish and without the generous support of different trades we wouldn't have had the budget to open it."

Pictured - Manager Emma Lloyd (left) and volunteer Dee Waters at the new ECHO shop in Poynton.