Pendleside Hospice is celebrating an extraordinary milestone following the record-breaking sales it achieved in the final quarter of 2024.
Its charity shops have generated nearly £250,000, amounting to a 13.7% increase when compared to their previous record from October to December. Officials say the realized funds will go directly toward supporting patient care at the hospice.
Community support fuels Pendleside Hospice’s success
The hospice has attributed its success to several things, including the combination of strategic campaigns, community engagement, and a refreshed brand identity. Earlier in autumn 2024, the charity underwent a revamp of its shops, introducing a bold purple color scheme as a reflection of its new branding.
During Hospice Care Week in October, the charity also took to social media, running a focused campaign that spotlighted all of its retail operations. The behind-the-scenes content, customer stories, and featured items were also shared which significantly boosted both in-store visits and online engagement.
The spokesperson for Pendleside Hospice explained that these efforts reinforced the connection between the hospice and its supporters, reminding people of the vital role their contributions play in maintaining hospice services. One success story worthy of mention is the Dragonflies Boutique, a shop that recorded a 50% increase in sales in its first year while offering fewer items because it focused on high-quality designer and high-street fashion that drew in a wave of eco-conscious shoppers.
Local partnerships have also played a crucial role in the record sales. Boohoo.com for example contributed brand-new items to the shops and supported events, while Burley College students raised nearly £1,000 through pop-up sales on campus. These partnerships, combined with campaigns like Rewear Revolution which was launched in January 2023, have contributed to shifting public perceptions of charity shopping.
The campaign encourages the buying of preloved items and promotes sustainable fashion to a younger, environmentally aware audience.
The hospice emphasized the importance of donations, volunteers, and shoppers in achieving this milestone.
“The dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community has been central to our success,” the spokesperson said, adding that Pendleside’s charity shops are not just retail spaces but community hubs that foster connections and shared experiences.
Facing challenges with resilience
While celebrating this achievement, Pendleside Hospice is mindful of the challenges ahead. With its operational costs exceeding £6 million annually, the growing energy expenses, and the impending changes to national insurance rates, the charity is facing growing financial pressures, However, it remains optimistic.
“Through careful management and continued community support, we are confident that our retail operations will continue to thrive,” the spokesperson stated,
The hospice already operates 10 charity shops across Burnley and Pendle, including a dedicated furniture store and an eBay shop. Regular shoppers like Debbie, a visitor to the Duke Barshop for over 25 years, highlight the deeper impact of these stores, noting that coming there “feels like visiting a friend.”