A charity shop in the West Midlands has been officially named the best in the United Kingdom, triumphing in a national public vote. The Marie Curie shop on Knowle High Street secured the top spot, seeing off competition from thousands of other stores to claim the coveted title.
A National Vote of Confidence
The prestigious award was organised by the Charity Retail Association, which invited the public to have their say. An impressive 40,000 people cast their votes, assessing a shortlist of 5,000 individual charity shops from across the country. The Knowle branch of Marie Curie emerged as the clear winner, praised for its exceptional service and community spirit.
Chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, Robin Osterley, personally visited the store to present the award. He handed the gong to a delighted team, including store manager Rowan Saunders and volunteers Barbara Iles and Katie Smith.
What Makes This Shop So Special?
The shop's victory is built on consistent praise from its customers. Voters and reviewers frequently highlighted two key strengths: the beautiful, creative window displays that draw people in, and the staff's unwavering readiness to help shoppers find the perfect bargain.
This is not just a retail space but a vital community hub, powered by a team of more than 40 dedicated volunteers. Their commitment is reflected in the shop's stellar online reputation, where it holds an impressive 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Google.
Customer Praise Tells the Story
The reviews offer a clear picture of why this shop resonates so deeply. Regular donor and customer Michelle Wibberley shared her experience, stating the staff are "always so warm, friendly, and genuinely appreciative."
She also noted the practical support the shop provides, having purchased a wheelchair and a walker for her mother, both in great condition and at an amazing price. "It’s lovely to know that you can both support a good cause and find quality items!" she wrote, encapsulating the dual appeal of the store.
If you are inspired to visit the award-winning shop and see its famous displays for yourself, you can find it at 1650 High Street, Knowle, B93 0NA.
