A vast new charity superstore promising an enormous range of pre-loved goods has opened its doors on a West Midlands retail park, marking a significant first for a major children's hospice.
A Retail Park Milestone for Vital Care
Acorns Children's Hospice has launched its first-ever store on a retail park, a 10,000 square foot unit at Bescot Retail Park in Walsall. The "massive" new outlet is set to be a treasure trove for bargain hunters, stocking everything from clothing, games, and electrical items to household goods, children's toys, and bric-a-brac.
It will also feature a huge selection of furniture, a dedicated book reading area for customers, and the benefit of free parking. Every penny raised through sales will fund the charity's specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions across the West Midlands, alongside support for their families.
Stocking the Shelves: Donations and Volunteers Needed
Gary Pettit, Retail Director at Acorns Children's Hospice, expressed his excitement about the new venture. "We're absolutely thrilled to be able to share this first glimpse into our brand-new superstore," he said. "This is an exciting milestone for us – our first ever store on a retail park. It means we can offer an even greater selection of quality pre-loved items while raising money directly for families."
To keep the shelves full, donation points have been established outside the unit for easy drop-off of good-quality items. The store is particularly appealing for furniture donations, with free collection services available by booking through the Acorns website. The charity is also calling for volunteers to help with sorting stock and day-to-day operations in the superstore.
"It takes a community to keep our network of shops running," added Gary Pettit. "Volunteering in our shops and superstores is incredibly rewarding – not only are you bringing them to life... you're helping children and families get the care and support they need."
Supporting Hundreds of Local Families
The income generated is critical for Acorns, which needs approximately £40,000 every day to run its services. More than 75% of this funding comes from public generosity, including donations, fundraising, and sales from its shops. In the last year alone, the charity provided care for more than 800 children and supported over 1,100 families, including those who are bereaved.
Care is delivered from Acorns' three hospices in Birmingham, Walsall, and Worcester, as well as within the community. The new Bescot superstore's opening hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
- Saturday: 9am to 7pm
- Sunday: 10am to 4pm
The store represents a major new fundraising avenue for the hospice, allowing the public to support a vital local cause while hunting for a unique bargain.
