What’s new: Emmaus North Staffs has relocated its Potteries Centre charity store to the former Debenhams unit on the first floor.
Why it matters: The larger premises will allow the charity to stock more furniture, appliances and household goods while expanding community support sessions.
What’s next: Emmaus North Staffs plans to welcome more organisations into the store to provide workshops and support for local residents.
Emmaus North Staffs has announced it has moved into a more prominent outlet within the Potteries Centre, positioned closer to popular neighbouring shops.
The charity store was previously located on the ground floor of the centre, but can now be found in the former Debenhams unit, on the first floor and near to shops such as Lush.
This exciting relocation will help the charity increase its retail capacity by stocking a much wider selection of quality furniture, household appliances and goods.
Plus, its in-house community services are expanding with plans to introduce more support workshops for local residents.
Emmaus North Staffs
John Webbe, Executive Lead of Emmaus North Staffs, said:
“We have been enjoying our time in the Potteries Centre since we relocated here earlier this year. Although we were not planning on moving so soon, we could not pass up this opportunity to move into the former Debenhams unit as the space is a lot more suitable for our charity store. We hope our loyal customers understand and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone at our new location.
“We rely heavily on funds from the store to enable our charity to deliver the services we do in helping local residents and the move means we can now display more of our larger furniture, along with quality clothing and household items, including white goods, and much more."
Emmaus North Staffs aim to end furniture poverty and rely on sales from their charity store, along with donations and fundraising activities.
Through its Lottery-funded Home & Hope project, the charity currently provides free weekly drop-in support sessions and monthly workshops, where dedicated support workers help families navigate challenges and build confidence for the future.
The charity also runs the initiative - Beds for Kids - where brand new bed bundles are delivered to local families whose children do not have a bed of their own.
The new premises will provide a dedicated space to host more essential community drop-in sessions, offering a warm, accessible space for local families.
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A spokesperson from the Potteries Centre said:
“We’re thrilled that Emmaus North Staffs is expanding its presence at the Potteries Centre and moved into such a key unit in the former Debenhams space.
“They’ve been a valued part of the centre for some time, and it’s fantastic to see them taking this next step with us. We’re incredibly proud to support the important work Emmaus does across our community, particularly initiatives such as Beds for Kids, which make a real difference to local families.
“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with the team and to see their presence at the Potteries Centre grow.”
John added:
“Our Home and Hope Project has grown in the last 18 months and residents have been finding the support very useful.
“Plus our partnership with Community Interest Group - Little Steps Big Dreams - is providing support to parents throughout Stoke-on-Trent who may be facing financial, health and employment challenges.
“Over the coming months we are planning on welcoming more organisations into our new store to deliver more workshops and sessions to local residents. Plus, our vital and ongoing initiative - Beds for Kids - will be continuing as we continue to support local families."
For more information about Emmaus North Staffs and any of their projects please visit their website HERE
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