Charity shop in UK seaside town announces closure of 'superstore' in days

A charity shop is set to close its 'superstore' in one UK town, and it has thanked locals for their "kindness, generosity and support". Prama's Superstore, located at Westover Retail Park, Bournemouth, is closing this month, shutting its doors for the last time on Saturday, February 14, giving local shoppers just days left to visit. The shop has been operating out of that location for he last three years, selling clothes, furniture, books and other second-hand goods. In a statement on social media, the charity said that its success was down to the loyalty of local shoppers who visited regularly.

The shop is not alone in accepting donations. However, the charity is opening a separate location in the town on February 28, and local residents are encouraged to save donations until after that date to bring to the new store, or bring donations on the dedicated drop-off days, which are February 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. The new charity shop will be located at Unit 6, Knighton Heath Industrial Estate, BH11 8NE.

Prama is a Dorset-based charity that was established in 1982. It supports adults and carers with a wide range of activities and support services, helping them achieve personal independence and enjoyment in life as they age.

They provide services to people with acquired brain injury, dementia, and members of disadvantaged communities. It currently operates charity shops in 12 towns across the South East of England. This includes shops in Blandford, Christchurch, Tuckton, West Moors and Winton.

In its statement announcing the closure of the Bournemouth Superstore, Prama said: "Thank you so much for your support over the last three years. It has meant the world to us as a charity and has enabled us to support so many people within the local community."

It adds: "Your loyalty is the foundation of our success, and we thank you so much for choosing to shop and donate with us over the years."

Locals took to the comments section of the Facebook announcement to share their love for the shop. One local wrote: "Such a shame you are leaving this area. You have been the best charity shop around here. As I passed you every day, it was so convenient, but I will still visit. Wishing you great success in your new location."

"Really sad this is closing," said another. "I visit regularly as it's just at the bottom of my road. Good luck with the move."

The new shop is an 11-minute drive from the old location. However, it takes around an hour and 13 minutes to walk between the two, so the closure of the original shop is a loss for those in that neighbourhood of the town.

Aaron Head, Head of Retail, said: "The planning for this new superstore has been a long time in the making and we are excited to now be able to announce the official opening date of Saturday 28th February at 10:00am.

"This new superstore will give us more opportunities to be able to grow and develop our retail operations and to enable us to further support people within the local community."

"The new site is big enough to accommodate not only the new shop but also our central retail and ecommerce operations all under one roof, making day-to-day operations more streamlined and cost-effective for us as a charity," he added.

Superstore Manager, Jodie Thrift, said: "The new store will bring multiple volunteer opportunities which align with Prama's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. With more space for both donation drop-offs, furniture displays and with ample free parking, this new store will provide the perfect shopping experience.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of our existing customers, and we look forward to welcoming you at our new store."

Although Prama is opening a new superstore in Bournemouth, other charity shops have announced permanent closures across the UK. Most recently, Cancer Research said it would be shutting 88 of its charity shops across the UK.