Brandon charity shops adjust to new ways of working
Hello there. I’m Petra and I joined Brandon in the role of Retail Manager at the end of September 2020. Since then, our three Bristol-based charity shops have only been open for a total of nine weeks!
Like everyone else, we’ve needed to adjust to new ways of working and running our shops. I have to say, that every single member of our retail team, has been absolutely brilliant during this time. They are a great bunch of hardworking, creative people, always supporting and looking out for each other.
Online shopping
Firstly, we re-launched our Instagram account, where we share with the world the best finds from our shops, and then our eBay shop; this has been a huge success and we have enjoyed watching quite a few nail-biting bidding wars.
My favourite eBay sale so far, has to be an art deco hat mannequin which sold for an incredible £420! Found at the back of a stockroom, this beautiful model originally came from a hat shop in the centre of Clifton Village in Bristol, which had sadly closed down. I am sure the previous owner would be delighted that this beauty raised such a good amount of money to support the work of Brandon.
We’ve also launched our Depop shop, where you can buy on-trend streetwear, vintage, and pre-loved pieces, specially selected by our shop managers.
Revamped stores
With the shops having to be closed under government guidance, we’ve been able to update the shops’ décor, give them a more of an identity, and make them even safer for our staff, volunteers, and customers.
We also created a special section in each of our shops, dedicated to the beautiful products made by, or grown at, the various Brandon social enterprises. All the items – which make ideal gifts – are made by people we support. Our enterprises are wonderful places, enabling people with learning disabilities and autism, to develop their skills and experience and to be at the heart of what Brandon does.
Donate by post
The final change, in March, saw the introduction of a new scheme where we can accept donations through the post. You can now send us your quality unwanted items, completely free of charge! This means that our supporters ANYWHERE in the UK (including you!) can be part of our retail success and help raise money for Brandon.
To send a donation to us, just pack a box of the best bits you don’t need anymore, download a label, and post from your nearest Collection+ point. There are over 7,500 across the UK.
More information
For more information, please see our news article announcing the launch of the postal donation scheme.
And for those who live in, or visit Bristol, we can’t wait to see you in our shops in the not-too-distant future!
Petra Littlefair
Retail Manager
