Tag: charity shop

Salvation Army Edinburgh Earl Grey charity shop shortlisted for prestigious national award

Winners of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards will be decided by a public vote

Salvation Army Edinburgh Earl Grey charity shop has been shortlisted for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards.  The winner will be decided by a public vote, which is now open. 

The Awards, run by the Charity Retail Association, are now in their second year and are a celebration of the impact that charity shops have within their local communities. For many, charity shops are more than a place to pick up a second-hand bargain – they are community hubs that employ local people, help volunteers find friendship, and offer support to those with first-hand experience of the causes they support.   

More than 5,000 nominations were received this year and, as part of the process, people were asked to share why they were nominating their favourite shop.

When asked what makes the Earl Grey shop so special, members of the public said:

“The vibe in this shop is always so upbeat and welcoming whether you are there to shop, looking for help or just to say hello. Everyone is greeted with respect and welcomed like an old friend.” 

“Best charity shop in Edinburgh! Always loads of new items, well laid out and merchandised, and the friendliest helpful staff always dancing and singing no matter how busy it is.” 

Margaret Rouzet, shop manager said: “Thank you so much, we are absolutely delighted!! 

“We are now more determined than ever to win the whole competition, not only for us but for every Salvation Army shop out there whose staff and volunteers put so much work and dedication into every day.”

Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Congratulations to all the shops that made the shortlist and thank you to everyone who made a nomination.

“The level of support the Awards continue to inspire highlights just how much charity shops mean to their local communities. We are now calling on the public to cast their votes and decide which shops will be crowned winners in 12 areas across the UK.”

People can vote for their favourite shop now, here:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8448060/Vote-in-The-UK-s-Favourite-Charity-Shop-Awards-2025

Voting closes at midnight on 2 October.

To see all the shortlisted shops and for more details about the Awards, visit: https://charityretail.org.uk/the-uks-favourite-charity-shop

Edinburgh charity shop in need of local support after fire

A charity shop which was left devastated after a fire broke out in the building above is calling for locals to ‘come and see them’ after struggling to regain local support since reopening at the end of last year. 

A fire broke out in the building above the South Bridge PDSA charity shop last June, causing the shop to close for five months.   

The shop located at 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN, officially re-opened again at the end of last November, but has since struggled to regain the local support it had before the fire.  

PDSA Cluster Shop Manager, Fiona Lawrie, said: “Since the unavoidable closure of South Bridge, after re-opening we’re not as busy as we once were. We miss seeing all of the old familiar faces and would love to see them in store again!

“The shop is also in need of donations and would be very grateful if any locals had a ‘spring clean’ and sent some unwanted goods our way, in particular womenswear.  

“Our charity shops play a huge role in helping to fund the veterinary care in our Pet Hospitals, and the local community is truly at the centre of it! We’re so grateful to everyone who dedicates their time to helping out in our shops, as well as everyone who donates goods, or shops with us.   

“The store in South Bridge provides the lovely locals the chance to purchase high-quality, cut-price products while supporting a vital charity service. We’re hopeful the shop will once again become a staple spot for locals to enjoy.  

“We are extremely grateful to all of the people who support PDSA because they believe in what we do. It’s the generous support from donating unwanted items, making a purchase, or volunteering in our charity shops, that goes back into helping keep people and pets together in their times of need through our Pet Hospitals.”   

For anyone who wishes to browse, shop or donate, visit the store at: PDSA South Bridge shop, 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN.  

Charity shop set to reopen after fire calls for public donations

Earlier this year, a fire broke out in the building above the PDSA South Bridge charity shop, causing the shop to close for the foreseeable future. The shop located at 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN, closed in June, but is very nearly ready to officially re-open again.

Before the shop reopens its doors again to eager shoppers, the team are hoping the supportive local community will head over there to donate any unwanted goodies.

PDSA Cluster Shop Manager, Fiona Lawrie, said: “Since the unavoidable closure of South Bridge five months ago, we’ve had a flurry of support from locals at our nearby Nicolson Street shop. We’re hoping before we re-open South Bridge, lovely locals will pop by to donate any unwanted items they may have, so we can open the doors again, stocked with fresh finds!

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, the fire was a big shock to our team, but we’re more than ready to head back into the shop and welcome previous supporters, and new faces through the door.”

The shop is not yet open for people to browse around, however the official re-opening date will be announced very soon. 

For anyone who wishes to donate any items, please drop any goods off at PDSA South Bridge, 88-89 South Bridge, EH1 1HN. 

Corstorphine Community Centre looking for new home

Corstorphine Community Centre have issued a statement about the end of lease at 191 St John’s Road – they are currently looking for alternative premises for the shop and activities.

Please get in touch if you have any ideas – email admin@ccchub.online

Shelter Scotland’s famous Stockbridge January launch raises thousands

Shelter Scotland’s Stockbridge shop has smashed fundraising records at its popular annual January launch.  

The shop raised over £20,000 across the week of the launch, which saw excited shoppers snap up designed bargains, rare collectibles and beautiful antiques.  

This beats the previous fundraising record of £18,600 set in 2019. 

Running since 2003, the event attracts shoppers from across Edinburgh and beyond. 

Peter Jew, manager of Shelter Scotland’s Stockbridge shop, said: “It’s been nearly 20 years since we held our first January event and I’m delighted that the range of exciting items we’ve been able to offer this year has proven more popular than ever.  

“I’d like to thank all of our customers and doners for their generosity and for helping to keep Shelter Scotland in the struggle against homelessness. 

“Too many people are denied their right to a safe, secure and affordable home and it’s Shelter Scotland’s mission to change that. 

“While our January event is a big day in the calendar, we’re here all year round. 

“So, if you have any unwanted Christmas gifts and or you’re just having a January clear out then feel free to donate to us and help us fight back against the housing emergency.”