The team at our West Heath shop were excited to welcome back shoppers after they closed for a full refurbishment. We chatted to Shop Manager, Michelle Haywood, to find out how the grand reopening went and their plans for 2022.
Welcoming back shoppers
“The reopening went very well, we had lots of customers commenting on how bright, clean and spacious the shop looked,” Michelle says.
“We’re hoping donations will pick up again once people know that we are back open.
“I really love getting donations as you never know what is in the bag! I’m always so surprised when I receive items that still have the tags on them and when they are brand new and not even worn. I’ve had beautiful wedding dresses and prom dresses.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the builders, Toni, Dylan and Stuart for the amazing work they’ve done
“They do all the new refits in the shops and other jobs for The Hospice Charity Partnership.
“They are part of the charity’s team, and I feel that they should have some recognition because they worked really hard.
“They even worked some Sundays to get our shop back open as quickly as possible, and are currently refurbishing the Weoley Castle shop.
I love the fact that West Heath is very much community based and most of all, I love all my volunteers, I could not have done this without them.”
Customer focus
Michelle has worked for the charity for three years and when the shop closed, it was the customer interaction she missed the most.
She adds: “I love having a chat with the customers and when we have new customers come in, but also customers that have got to know me by name.
“It’s really nice to hear they have had a good experience.
I really love it when a customer comes in and tells me their story of how the hospice has helped them – 100% of the customers that I talk to, speak so highly of the hospice.”
“Customers always tell me how well the hospice nurses have treated them and also their aftercare.
“It’s because of that and the fact that they have been treated so well, that they bring their donations in and shop in the shops.”
Exciting plans
Speaking about her upcoming plans for the shop, Michelle says:
“I’m always changing the shop around and seeing what works and what doesn’t.
“I’m hoping to use the outside space more as the weather gets better; I want to sell small furniture items as the store is big enough to do so.
“We’re really enjoying the new layout of the shop at the moment and looking forward to getting more donations, customers and making as much money as possible.”
