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Southsea Lifestyle talks to Anne Yendell manager of Sam’s Place about the pleasures and pressures of running a charity shop.
“Charity shops might seem relatively easy places to set up and run, but they come with just as many challenges as a regular retail operation. The challenges might be different, but ultimately it’s all about making enough profits to support our local Samaritans branch, Portsmouth and East Hampshire. We are entirely dependent upon the generosity of the local community to donate good quality stock that other members of the community might want to buy. Plus we rely upon our amazing volunteers to either sort and tidy donations in the back room, or to display the goods and sell them,” explained Anne.
Sheila Besant who has volunteered at Sam’s Place for 2 years joined the conversation,”I really enjoy working here, you meet a lot of people, I like clothes and the displays are very imaginative. Plus it’s good to give back to the community.”
“Yes, we are very proud of our displays,” continued Anne. “We took a lot of trouble with the design of Sam’s Place — from introducing a simple, colour coded pricing system, to giant clothes hangers and a wrought iron ’tree’ for our in-store display. And we feel as though it’s paid off, as the shop always looks great and we are delighted to report that 2021/22 has been our best year yet. It’s a huge achievement and it is literally down to all the local support we continuously receive.
“Designing and opening the shop just seems a short time ago, but in fact, we will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary later this year.
“In a world so beset with problems, from the ramifications of the cost of living crisis, to the effects of COVID, along with so many personal issues that people have to deal with, Samaritans Portsmouth and East Hampshire has been very busy providing a listening service for all those who need support. Therefore, Sam’s Place, fundraising for our branch, is more important than ever, so please do continue with your help.
“We also hope to start our community events in the autumn as we have many requests to start these again,” said Anne.
If you would like to volunteer at Sam’s Place , please do pop on and find out more or calls us on 023 92821199.
Sam’s Place
6 Grove Road South, Southsea PO5 3QT
023 9282 1199
Samaritans national helpline 116 123
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