Meet Christine: Reading Superstore Manager

Christine is the kind of person who makes an impression as soon as you meet her. Whether it’s the friendly greeting as you walk into the Reading Superstore or the contagious enthusiasm she exudes when talking about her work, it’s clear that Christine loves what she does.

As the manager at our first Thames Hospice Superstore, Christine really loves meeting the customers that walk into the store. Christine comments: “I love it when they come through the door and say, ‘Oh goodness, it’s massive!’ And then, an hour later, they’re still here, having a coffee, showing me what they bought.”

But it’s not just the size of the store that amazes customers; it’s the experience. “People come in, and they can’t believe how we’ve put everything together,” Christine explains. “It just doesn’t feel, look or smell like a typical charity shop.”

Christine’s passion for what she does shines through, not just in her enthusiasm but in her commitment to making the store a welcoming place. “One lady came in and brought a piece of clothing to me, asking if we had it in a size six. She had no idea we were a charity shop. She thought it was a boutique!” Christine says, remembering the moment. “I love it when people can’t believe it’s a charity shop—because that means we’re doing something right.

“Charity shops have come a long way. Years ago, there was a stigma around them, but now it’s trendy and popular to recycle and buy donated items,” she says. “And with the way we run things here, we’ve made it a place where people want to be. Our branding is amazing, and we work hard to make it look and feel different from the typical charity shop experience.”

As for the shop’s customers, they’re not just looking for great deals; they’re also looking to make a difference. “People want to do their part, to recycle, to give something back,” Christine says. “And that’s why they love coming here. They know that every purchase is contributing to a fantastic cause.”

One thing Christine wishes everyone knew about the Reading Superstore is the true impact of each purchase. “Every time our customers buy something—even a simple £3 top—it’s making a difference,” she says. “It might seem like a small amount, but it adds up, and it goes directly to support our Hospice.”

She shares an example of just how impactful donations can be. “We recently got a donation of two lamps. When we looked them up, we found out they were worth £480 each! Somebody donated them knowing they were worth that much, and that donation will make a huge difference in what we can do at the Hospice.”

And it’s not just our shoppers who feel good about their contributions. Christine recalls a customer who told her, “I love getting that email after donating, telling me how much my gift aid has helped. It makes you feel great about what you’ve done, and it encourages you to keep doing it.”

At the end of the day, Christine’s work is all about helping others—whether it’s through chatting to customers, supporting the Hospice, or talking about the benefits of recycling and donating.

As Christine concludes: “The next time you find yourself at the Reading Superstore, remember: every purchase you make is supporting our amazing Hospice.”