Patient customers rewarded with smart new store
Loyal customers who have been waiting patiently for the return of their favourite social enterprise furniture shop were delighted to see it reopen in brand new premises.
The West Kent Housing Association-run Abacus store in Parkwood closed as part of the redevelopment of the area and was replaced by a temporary shop in Senacre Square until that, too, closed in April of last year.
Now the association, working in partnership with Golding Homes, has moved into smart new premises made by converting two shops into one in Northumberland Road, Shepway.
The shop sells a wide range of pre-owned furniture, homeware and clothes at low prices, with the aim of helping the less well off while extending the lives of things that might otherwise end up in landfill.
“Our aim is to help people set up a nice home without landing themselves in debt,” explained retail supervisor Kim Palmer. “We keep our prices down to help people stay within their means.”
As well as being a good source of bargains, the airy, spacious shop is also somewhere for people to drop in for a chat. “We have been really looking forward to the new store opening,” said Julie Jones, visiting with partner Nigel Packham.
“We come in for a chat as well as to see what we can find, and we often bring things to donate as well, if we have had a bit of a clear out.”
West Kent Enterprise Manager Paula Meurs explained: “As well as being a social landlord, West Kent has a strong focus on community, and Abacus is one way in which we try to support our local neighbourhoods.
“The shop extends the life of furniture, clothes and other items that would otherwise be thrown away and it allows people on a low income to furnish their homes at much less than high street prices.”
Caroline McBride, Golding Homes’ Head of Community Development, said: “We are delighted to support the Abacus store as it provides a much needed service for those living in our local communities. It also offers some great volunteering opportunities to help individuals gain the skills they need for employment.”
Abacus has a particular focus on helping people who may be moving into their first home, with new but low-cost bedding, towels and curtains all available from the Shepway store. The shop is open to everyone and there is a delivery service.
West Kent also runs Abacus stores in Greatness lane, Sevenoaks, and in Medway. The new store in Shepway will be inviting local people to an official opening event on Wednesday 6 March