In November we reported that a greengrocers was opening in the premises previously occupied by Alan Jackson Butchers.
Steve Leyland, who runs the flower stall on Grove Street in Wilmslow, was hoping to open his new shop at the beginning of December but unfortunately his plans have been put on hold.
The new shop was to be a joint venture with Steve Cooper from Knutsford based Michael McDonald, who supply fruit and vegetables to the catering industry.
Steve told me "It was to be a partnership but a great business opportunity came up for Steve which he had to take. If the opportunity does arise then we will be looking for somewhere else later in the year."
Renovation work is currently underway at 27 London Road where we can reveal a charity shop will open shortly.
Age UK Cheshire East has confirmed they hope to open the new shop towards the end of May.
Joanne Hehir, Trading Development Manager, told me "There is still quite a lot of work which needs doing and we're still deciding what we're going to do. It will be similar to our other shops but with a twist."
Age UK Cheshire East is an independent local charity, they have the same brand values as Age UK and are classified as a brand partner of the national charity.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
We'll have to have a prize for 'AE charity shop of the year' unless it already exists.
No different than another bar or cafe.
The only change that should be made to the so called charity shops is the name.
How about "high quality used goods" because the prices in the Alderley shops aren't really charitable!!
No supermarkets in Alderley,your going back in time to the 60s and the Maypole Supermarket.
It is true about the cheap rents, the short leases and the high costs that retailers have to meet just to start to pay their way.
But they pay business rates! Charities can apply for a rebate of their rates, but I used to refuse for national charities because we took the view they were just retailers. Local Charities like the Hospice we supported because they are purely local.
Writing as a former volunteer at the Cancer Research shop I'd like to say what a sterling job Helen (Manager) has done! As one of the first charity shops, it opened its door almost three decades ago,and has raised over 2.5 million pounds for charity whilst paying business rates of 26k a year.
Teenagers doing their Duke Of Edinburgh help out & get a real sense of community.
Its a true success story not based on personal gain.
So all you Hedge Fund Henrys out there ,volunteer,donate or support,
Your community needs you!!
I'm with Roy on this one, lets have a competition to see who raises the most money, give them continued support, and good luck to the other charities I'm sure Helen & her trusty volunteers are more than up for the challenge!
Things come and go so maybe one day they will go and independent traders will come back.