A warm welcome from reading community as charity’s first ever Superstore officially opens

Thames Hospice officially opened the doors of its new Reading Superstore to a huge crowd of supporters today (Thursday 17 October).

Celebrity interior designer, Julia Kendell, cut the ribbon at 11am as large numbers of customers and well-wishers crowded outside to witness how an empty warehouse has been transformed into a shopping experience like no other. Julia Kendell was also joined by the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, Chief Executive Officer of the Charity Retail Association, Robin Osterley and Thames Hospice Nurses, Alex Dhillon and John Hibbert.

After months of planning and preparation, the long-awaited opening of the Reading Superstore finally took place. Julia Kendell, said: “I’m amazed how Thames Hospice has created a unique charity store where everything feels so new and original. It’s hard to believe that all the stock has been donated. Everything is imaginatively displayed, with a vast array of quality donations and creative, contemporary upcycled furniture. I urge everyone to come and shop!”

Julie Rowley, Director of Retail at Thames Hospice, added: “We are thrilled to have opened our first Superstore in Reading. We have worked hard to create a welcoming and social store and I am delighted so many of the local community were here on our first day of trading. The good wishes and support we have received has been staggering. The number of volunteers who have signed up and those who have shopped with us already has been very impressive. This gives us every confidence that we are going to enjoy being a real fixture in the Reading community for many years to come.”

One of the shoppers first through the doors, Claire from Caversham, said: “I’ve been driving past the Superstore every day on my way to work and have been really looking forward to the store opening. I couldn’t imagine what it was going to be like inside, but it has exceeded my expectations. There’s much to choose from and I’ve picked up so many items for my children. It’s well worth a visit.“

The new Superstore in Richfield Avenue offers an extensive range of quality pre-loved and upcycled furniture and homeware, a creative hub, recycling and repairing a vast range of items, fashion for all the family – including an alteration service, vintage clothing and accessories, together with a children’s zone and cafe.