L-R: Allie, shop assistant, Tracey, shop manager
Scarlet Vintage and Retro, St Clare Hospice’s specialist vintage charity shop in Essex, has made the shortlist for the Charity Retail Association’s award for Community and Social impact.
The shop recently won the award for Specialist Outlet of the Year at Hospice UK’s Retail Awards. Additionally, volunteer Gill Taylor, who volunteers at three St Clare charity shops including Vintage Scarlet and Retro, and as receptionist at the hospice, has been shortlisted for a Volunteer of the Year award.
Gill is one of three volunteers to be on the shortlist whilst St Clare Hospice is vying against two other charities, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul, for an award for its community-focused retail outlet. She said:
“It’s fun to be at St Clare, my favourite thing is the interaction with the people. I love meeting and greeting people from different communities. I hope that I am making a difference to them with a smile and a ‘hello’. It makes me feel good as well, knowing that I am part of the St Clare team. The hospice gives so much love, care and warmth to people when they need it – it is wonderful to be part of that.
“Whenever I am volunteering, whether I am in the shops or on reception, I am always thinking of those patients we are supporting. That is what I am fundraising for, that is why I am up to my armpits sorting through donations! I’m doing it for the patients.”
After celebrating its launch event in October 2018, this quirky hospice retail outlet has taken five short months to put itself on the map as a strong community-hotspot within the local area. Since opening, Scarlet Vintage and Retro has developed key relationships with local charities, schools and colleges.
Fiona Eaton, Head of Retail at the hospice said:
“St Clare Hospice is incredibly proud of the staff and volunteers at Scarlet Vintage & Retro, whose exceptional creativity and hard work has ensured the shining success of our newest charity shop. They consistently go above and beyond in everything they do – from their stunning window displays and visual merchandising on the shop floor, to creating valuable and productive relationships with other organisations in the community. We are thrilled to be on the shortlist for another national award. Congratulations, Scarlet Vintage & Retro!”
Shop Manager at Scarlet Vintage & Retro, Tracey Chippett, added:
“Allie, my assistant, and I, are so excited to have been recognised for the effort and dedication our team have put into Scarlet Vintage & Retro. It has been an amazing journey since the shop opened! We’re delighted to have formed strong community bonds since we opened in October 2018, and we look forward to our future projects.”
The winners will be announced on Tuesday 25 June as part of the Charity Retail Association Conference and Exhibition, which takes place 24-26 June at the EMCC in Nottingham.
For more information visit St Clare Hospice: Scarlet Vintage & Retro
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