Tavistock’s Woodside Animal Welfare Trust thrift shop is set to close next month after many years in the town.

The ‘proper’ charity shop on North Street has been a go-to for many locals with its huge selection of quality stock. The ‘fantastic staff and volunteers’ at the store have also made visits enjoyable for those popping in to look for a bargain, while also supporting a good cause.

Many locals will be gutted to see the charity shop close down, which is planned for September (2026). It was decision made by the trustees at Woodside Animal Welfare Trust, with “rising costs” being a huge factor for the closure.

One of the senior managers, Helen Lecointe, said: “It’s just a case of economics. Costs are going up and it’s not making enough, sadly. It was a decision made by the trustees, but it’s absolutely gutting for all of us.

“We have fantastic volunteers and staff at the Tavistock branch and the shop has been there for decades. It’s been a case of being between a rock and a hard place, but with costs increasing and wages going up it’s purely an economical decision.”

Woodside Animal Welfare Trust is a Plymouth-based charity, with shops in Plymouth and Saltash. Senior manager, Helen, also added that with the Tavistock shop being “further afield” taking goods and retrieving “unsellable items” was also logistically challenging.

Online, the Patton’s Community website describes Tavistock’s Woodside Animal Welfare Trust charity shop as “packed with personality, this eclectic charity shop delivers a variety of stock — music, books, retro clothing, kitchenware, bric-a-brac and more”.

Other branches of Woodside Animal Welfare Trust charity shops can be found in Plympton, Ford and Colebrook in Plymouth, with another one located on Fore Street in Saltash, so thrifty shoppers can continue to support the charity by visiting these other stores.