AGE CONCERN WAKEFIELD DISTRICT

We have around 470 Age UK charity shops throughout the UK, offering a wide and ever-changing range of goods at very reasonable prices. The shops provide a gateway to the whole charity and they are recycling centres too. We sell both new and second-hand goods, from clothes, books and household articles to toiletries, toys and food products. Our shops also offer information about our services and are an outlet for our popular advice leaflets. The shops are staffed mainly by volunteers. Every shop is unique, as is its stock. Different items are put out every day so it's never a matter of waiting for a new range to arrive as the seasons change.

We always have something fresh to offer and there's always a bargain to be had.On 21 April, our first Age UK concept store opened in Ashtead, Surrey, marking a new era for our shops . A Help the Aged shop for 15 years, our Ashtead store now proudly sports the bright new colours of Age UK. And the changes aren't just cosmetic: the Ashtead store has been brought into the 21st century with an interactive, touch-screen kiosk, through which customers can find out more about Age UK's services, complete surveys, and see how else they can get involved. These innovations have proven a hit with both staff and customers alike. Ashtead Shop Manager, Marlene Dixon, who has managed the store for 13 years, said: We absolutely love it! Our customers love it! It's such a bright environment to work and shop in. We have now opened five concept stories across the country.

They are in Colne, Lancashire; Ashtead in Surrey; Chesterfield; Kentish Town, London; and Southbourne, Dorset. These shops are demonstrating our great offer of products and service we as Age UK have to offer, plus we have really improved our retail shopping environment. Feedback from the shops was generally really positive, one customer said the following. Absolutely brilliant! Such a change to see a cheerful, colourful charity shop.