Children’s charity Barnardo’s is due to open one of its biggest fundraising stores in the Black Country this weekend.

The new store, in Dudley High Street, is more than twice the size of a normal charity shop and offers both a retail space and a collection and delivery service. Stock includes ladieswear, menswear, children’s clothing, accessories, furniture and homeware.

The doors are due to open this Saturday (5th January) at 10am, when a ribbon will be cut by the Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Alan Taylor.

Profits from the new store will support the charity’s work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people. Barnardo’s area business manager Jason Worley said:

“We’re delighted to open our new store in Dudley, which is one of the charity’s biggest stores across the entire region at around 1,600 square feet. This means we can display even more items which have been generously donated by the local community.

“Aside from the usual clothes, books, toys, games and bric-a-brac, we’ll also be selling bigger items including furniture such as wardrobes, beds, desks and drawers. There’s also a drop-off zone at the front of the store for people to donate their items and we’re offering a free collection and delivery service for larger items within a six-mile radius.

“Our aim is to make it even easier for people to support the charity, helping us to raise as much money as possible for children and young people in desperate need of a better future.”
 
Store manager Ashley O’Neill is keen to recruit a team of volunteers to support his three store associates. Ashley said:

“We have lots of volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, and every hour is sincerely appreciated. People can help with sorting the stock, steaming the clothes, arranging displays and serving customers.

“It’ a great way to meet new people and learn new skills, possibly working towards qualifications, as well as supporting a very worthwhile cause.”
 
The Dudley store will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am-5.30pm and on Sundays from 10am-4pm. 
 
Last year Barnardo’s supported more than 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers across the UK. This includes young carers, care-leavers, children and young people affected by sexual exploitation, abuse and disability, and services for fostering and adoption.