For day three of our 12 Days of Christmas campaign highlighting the work of East Lancashire Hospice we take a look at its newest commercial venture which is taking the High Street by storm

IN May, East Lancashire Hospice opened a new shop in Wilpshire with the aim of transforming the way people see charity retailing. And boy, has it succeeded!

Daisy’s on Whalley New Road has already become a popular destination for the fashion conscious and the stylish.

The shop leads the way in ethical charity retailing and offers the luxury boutique experience on the doorstop. Daisy’s stocks a vast array of pre-loved and new clothing, shoes, bags, boho style jewellery and accessories as well as a carefully selected number of gifts.

Manager Zoe Holden said: “Daisy’s has gone from strength to strength over the first six months of opening through our sales and also via Gift Aid. We see ourselves championing East Lancashire Hospice on the high street and being a big part of the Wilpshire community.”

Quality and customer service are at the heart of what Daisy’s has to offer

“We listen to what our customers want to buy,” said Zoe. “After the past couple of years, a lot of people have felt isolated and not involved in day to day activities.

“We welcome all our customers by asking ‘do you want a brew?’ and we offer Covid secure chat and company in a warm and welcoming environment.”

This flagship store is situated in the former post office which had been run by Adrian Swindlehurst and his wife Lisa. The couple have a special link to the hospice as Adrian’s mother, Maddalena was cared for there, initially as a day patient and later as an inpatient.

When the time came to retire after 20 years, Adrian offered them the premises to lease.

He said: “I really wanted the hospice to have the shop and I feel that mum is up there now looking down over us and is proud of how we are supporting the hospice and that gives us great comfort.”

It is not unusual to find unworn designer purchases on the rails and with Christmas fast approaching, Daisy’s could well be the place to find that unusual gift for someone special.

Sharon Crymble, income generation and marketing director for East Lancashire Hospice, said: “We wanted a store with a difference, one that would give our customers the ‘wow factor’ and offer them a shopping experience and that is absolutely what we have got!”