The manager of a new East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in King’s Lynn says it was a magic moment to welcome her first customers through the door.
Kayleigh Jeffrey has taken the reins at the High Street store and is excited to get started, after months of planning and anticipation.
The ribbon was cut earlier this morning and a crowd gathered before heading inside and getting their hands on some bargains.
Kayleigh said the moment had been a long time coming, after delays in terms of being able to announce an opening date.
However, she said it was worth the wait and is confident the shop is going to prove a hit with the community.
“It’s a beautiful store – a good-size, with lots of hanging and shelf space,” said the 30-year-old, who has enjoyed a double-celebration this week as daughter Evie turned four on Tuesday.
“We’ve got lovely pastel colours in the window, and everything looks great. I couldn’t be more delighted.
“We’re able to give our customers so much choice, and I feel confident people are going to love coming here.
“Even prior to today’s opening, there had been lots of excitement, with people peering through the window and knocking on the door.
“Whenever we went outside at least one person would ask when we were opening.
“It’s been great, and I’ve shared their sense of anticipation. That’s why it’s such a great feeling to be up and running.”
Kayleigh, who has spent her entire career in retail and was assistant manager of another charity shop in Hunstanton, started in her role in October and has since spent time working in other EACH shops. She believes the knowledge gained will serve her well.
“Although it’s been a bit of a waiting game to reach this point, it’s a blessing in disguise from my point of view,” she said.
“It’s given me the opportunity to spend time with other shop managers, learning and building my knowledge of our retail operation.
“Everyone has been so incredibly helpful and supportive, and I’m very grateful.
“I can’t wait to start applying the things I’ve learnt here in my own shop.”
The new EACH store becomes the charity’s 55th retail outlet across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk, with others in nearby Downham Market, Fakenham and Swaffham.
“King’s Lynn has long been on our list of favoured locations, and we’re thrilled this day has finally arrived,” said Head of Central Retail Operations Sarah Throssell.
“This year alone, we need to raise £8m from donations and fundraising activity and £9.8m in retail income, given we only receive around 15 per cent of our income from the government, county councils and the NHS.
“The remainder comes from donations, fundraising activity, charitable trusts, gifts in Wills and from our shop and online sales, which is another reason we’re so exciting to now be open in King’s Lynn.
“We’re sure customers are going to love it and can’t wait to welcome them inside.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at the shop is welcome to pop in for a chat, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01553 605570. A range of roles are available, with flexible hours to suit everyone.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
