Pandemic forces Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice to close Dinnington charity shop for good

The North Anston hospice said that challenging trading conditions arising from the pandemic, combined with changing shopping habits and a general shift away from the high street, means the shop is no longer performing well enough to support the charity’s vital work.

Bluebell Wood’s Dinnington shop has been closed since before Christmas under the latest restrictions after a stop-start year and it will not reopen when non-essential retail outlets are permitted to do so in April.

Simon Hills, chief executive at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice said: “It is with great sadness we have taken the difficult decision to close our Dinnington shop.

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“The decision is in no way a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our amazing team of staff and volunteers who have all worked very hard to make the shop a success in such challenging circumstances.

“Indeed, thanks to all they have given, our Dinnington shop has very much been a valued asset to Bluebell Wood over the years; helping to raise much-needed funds to support local families going through some of the most difficult times imaginable.

“But sadly, owing to a number of factors including the impact of the pandemic and a long-term decline in footfall in the shop’s Laughton Road location, it is no longer raising enough funds to support our life-changing work.”

Mr Hills paid tribute to all who have supported the charity shop.

“We’d like to thank our brilliant staff and all our wonderful volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their time over the years for making the Dinnington shop such a pleasure to visit,” he added.

“This, of course, also extends to all our loyal customers and all those who have kindly donated their previously-loved items.

“You have helped us to make so many wonderful memories with families who sadly don’t know how long they have together, and you should all be very proud of what you’ve been a part of.”

There are still many ways shoppers can support the charity, such as its online shop here: https://www.bluebellwood.org/shop to its eBay store: https://www.bluebellwood.org/ebay

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