A Reedley-based charity is celebrating after a record-breaking quarter for sales.
Pendleside Hospice’s charity shops made almost £250,000 in sales from October to December last year, the funds of which will help to support patient care at the Hospice.
This is a record cord quarter in retail sales and a 13.7 per cent increase compared to the previous record set the year before.
This success is the result of several factors, according to the hospice. The shops underwent a revamp at the start of autumn 2024, introducing a vibrant purple colour scheme as part of the Pendleside’s brand refresh.
During hospice care week in October, which focussed on retail, the charity spotlighted each of its shops through a dedicated social media campaign, sharing behind-the-scenes content, customer stories, and highlighting the items available in each shop.
The campaign increased engagement both online and in-store, not only boosting footfall but also reinforcing the connection between the hospice and the people it serves, reminding supporters of the crucial role their contributions play in sustaining our services.
Dragonflies Boutique, which opened in November 2023, is a prime example of the success of the hospice’s retail operations. In its first year, the boutique experienced a 50 per cent increase in sales at its new location on Gisburn Road in Barrowford.
The boutique reached these sales with fewer items, reflecting a growing demand for high-quality designer and high-street fashion, which the boutique was specifically designed to offer.
A spokesperson for Pendleside Hospice said: “The dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the generosity of our community have been key to our success.
"Businesses like boohoo.com and Burnley College have also played a vital role in promoting sustainable shopping and raising awareness of our shops.
“Boohoo.com’s team has actively supported us at events and contributed fantastic donations, many of which are brand new with tags.
"Burnley College students raised nearly £1,000 over two days with pop-up shops in the atrium!
“Quality donations and successful campaigns like the Rewear Revolution, have helped shift perceptions of charity shopping.
"Launched in January 2023, Pendleside’s Rewear Revolution campaign encourages people to buy preloved items, embracing sustainable fashion and attracting a new generation of eco-conscious shoppers.”
It now costs more than £6 million to keep the hospice running, and with rising energy costs and increased operational expenses, the hospice said it is “crucial to explore new ways to raise funds”.
Changes to national insurance rates this April could also add further financial pressure on the charity.
A spokesperson said: “While these challenges are considerable, they also showcase the resilience and adaptability of our retail team.
"Through careful management and the ongoing support of our community, we remain dedicated to ensuring our shops continue to thrive.
“Our charity shops are more than just places to buy and sell goods. They are vital community hubs that provide a welcoming space for people to connect.”
Debbie, a regular visitor to the charity’s Duke Bar shop, said: “I love coming to this shop and I try to visit every day if I can - I've been coming for about 25 years!
"We've shared so many experiences together, and visiting here feels like having a friend to chat with and someone to see during the day. I've found so many lovely things here.”
The charity has 10 shops across Burnley and Pendle, including a dedicated furniture shop and an eBay store.
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