A new-look charity shop is set to enjoy “dramatic energy savings” after making changes to reduce its carbon footprint.
Work began at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Hadleigh High Street on 15th March but it reopened last Wednesday.
The shop is one of 44 EACH retail outlets scattered across the region, including 13 in Suffolk.
It has just been given a much-needed revamp and top of the agenda was making changes that made the premises more environmentally friendly.
EACH head of facilities and estates James Child said: “We’ve removed all the old and very uneconomical electric fan heaters and replaced them with state-of-the-art, modern and extremely efficient infrared heating units.
“This is in addition to removing all the old lighting and replacing it with the latest and most efficient LED lighting.
“We’re expecting to see dramatic energy savings in this property, which also results in a reduction in our carbon footprint.
“Rightly and understandably, the environmental message is what I believe society demands and I’m working extremely hard to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint.
“The property has also benefited from an external and internal decoration, which has given it a much fresher and more modern look.
“We’re hoping these improvements will enhance the shopping experience for our customers and donors.”
Customers have already given the new-look shop a big thumbs up, with plenty of positive feedback and bumper takings on Wednesday.
This was despite it often being a quieter day, with many other shops in the town closing at lunchtime for half-day closing.
Shop manager Mike Farrell said: “The reopening went brilliantly and our staff, volunteers and customers absolutely love what we’ve done.
“It’s amazing and the feedback has been extremely positive.
“As well as chatting in the shop, people have been stopping me in the street to say how impressed they are.
“It’s a complete transformation and now looks more like a boutique shop, as opposed to a more traditional charity shop.
“It was a bit dated beforehand but now the shop is something to be genuinely proud of.
“It’s so different, much brighter and the start of an exciting new era.
“Our shop has always been a happy environment but now it’s an even more attractive place to work and volunteer.”
To find out more about volunteering in Hadleigh, pop into the shop, email Michael.Farrell@each.org.uk or call 01473 828436.
EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
It has three hospices, including The Treehouse, in Ipswich.