Smart new look, same local mission: St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth unveils refurbished charity shop

Already a favourite fixture for value, variety and sustainable shopping, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s charity shop in Tavistock town centre has relaunched with a brand-new look. The fresh design and layout are designed to keep customers flocking in to browse and buy in support of local hospice care.

Following its three-week closure for the full-scale transformation, the shop once again opened its doors on Wednesday July 23, welcoming bargain-hunters keen to check out the new interior and stock. Gone are the familiar orange décor and dated shelving, replaced by smart purple walls and contemporary black furnishings.

There to cut the ribbon was St Luke’s community team, part of the charity’s dedicated service looking after patients at home so that they can receive bespoke end-of-life care in their own familiar surroundings, close to loved ones.

Firmly embedded in the local community, the shop has come a long way since first opening in 2003. But while the sleek look is new, the shop’s mission remains the same. From womenswear to books, toys, small household items and bric-a-brac, every item donated and sold generates vital income to support St Luke’s specialist services for terminally ill people in the local area.

Celebrating both the shop’s long-standing connection with the community and its fresh new chapter, the shop’s relaunch provided a timely reminder that St Luke’s provision is not limited to families in Plymouth. In fact, 41 per cent of those who receive care from the charity live beyond the city in more rural areas, including Tavistock and Dartmoor.

St Luke’s Retail Cluster Manager Susan Walker said: “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to our Tavistock shop. Now completely refreshed and with purpose-built fittings, it’s even better than before.

“A huge thank you to our fantastic team of staff and volunteers who’ve worked incredibly hard to get the shop ready, and to our loyal customers for their patience and encouragement while we were closed for three weeks. This shop has always been at the heart of the high street, and the response to the refit shows just how much it means to people. We can’t wait to share it with everyone!”

“Whether it's by donating and shopping here, organising community fundraising events or taking part in annual events such as Tour de Moor, which is coming up on September 28, you are making a tangible difference to the lives of people in your own neighbourhood. Your generosity means they are surrounded by kindness and comfort at the very toughest of times. Thanks to such sterling support, this store – run by Shop Manager Jo - generates income to provide 100 local families with care at home. You simply can’t put a price on what that means to them when they need it most of all.”

Known for its close connection with the community, the Tavistock shop regularly reflects local traditions and celebrations in its displays, particularly the town’s annual Dickensian Evening, when staff and volunteers dress in period costume and bring festive spirit to the high street.

St Luke’s is encouraging the community to continue playing their part: browse the refreshed shop, buy one-of-a-kind items, donate quality goods, and volunteer time to help the charity continue its vital work.

For more information about the hospice, its services, charity shops and volunteering opportunities, please visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk.