Hinckley-based homelessness charity Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland has announced plans to relocate its popular Emporium charity shop. The charity says the move is part of wider plans to create a more financially sustainable future for Emmaus in Hinckley.
The Emporium, located on Stockwell Head, is the largest charity shop in Hinckley. The shop specialises in second-hand furniture alongside homeware, clothing and other donated items, helping raise vital funds for Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, which supports people rebuilding their lives after homelessness.
The current Emporium building is ageing and increasingly expensive to maintain, with rising repair and running costs making it difficult for the charity to continue operating from the building long-term.
As a result, Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland is now actively looking for more affordable premises in Hinckley after putting the current Emporium building on the market.
Andy Dunn, Chair of Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, said: “We know there have been rumours locally that the Emporium is closing, but that is not our intention. The current Emporium building is larger than we require and has become increasingly expensive to maintain, and we simply can’t continue operating from it in the same way long-term. Relocating to more affordable premises would give us the opportunity to build a stronger and more sustainable future for Emmaus locally.
“Our intention is that the Emporium will remain open in its current premises until the building is sold and will then continue serving the Hinckley community from a new location.
“Emmaus has been part of the Hinckley community since 2012, and we care deeply about making sure that continues for many years to come. The Emporium is at the heart of how we fund our work, so continued local support genuinely matters. Every donation, every purchase and every unwanted item donated for resale helps us move towards the next chapter of Emmaus in Hinckley.”
Earlier this year, the charity also announced changes to how it currently supports people after taking the difficult decision that it would not renew the lease on its accommodation building. The people currently living in Emmaus accommodation are being supported to move into safe and secure alternative accommodation of their choice.
Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland says it’s long-term aim is to rebuild and strengthen the charity so that it can support people rebuilding their lives after homelessness for many years to come.
The charity is encouraging local people to continue shopping at the Emporium on Stockwell Head and donating unwanted furniture, homeware and clothing while plans continue to develop.
To find out more about the future of Emmaus and how to support the charity, visit: www.emmaus.org.uk/leicestershire-rutland/moving-forward.
