Barnardo’s store to sell celebrities’ old clothes
Barnardo’s, the children’s charity, is to open a new flagship store in London’s Marylebone as it looks to develop a more upmarket approach to selling second-hand clothing and goods.
The shop, opening on November 15, will stock celebrity and designer clothing. Barnardo’s has secured the support of various celebrities to support the launch.
The charity says an existing store in Alderley Edge, Cheshire – renowned for its high-profile residents, particularly footballers – has received numerous donations of designer clothing. Barnardo’s wants to capitalise on the value of the products so it has developed the upmarket concept. The new strategy will run in tandem with the charity’s existing retail concept.
Well-known names including TV presenter Jonathan Ross, actress Dame Helen Mirren, former Page 3 girl Melinda Messenger and former model Laura Bailey have donated items.
Barnardo’s head of retail, Gerard Cousins, says: "This is our first central London shop and we are excited about the interest it has already generated. We intend to have a constant stream of both celebrity and designer items up for sale. It will be a hotspot for any discerning shopper."
The charity aims to attract Londoners and tourists eager to buy clothes donated by UK celebrities. The clothes will be marked so customers know who donated them.
In a separate move, Barnardo’s is encouraging businesses to take a different approach to rewarding staff at Christmas. Instead of alcohol and hampers, Barnardo’s is urging businesses to give a "Gift with a Difference" – a voucher-style card showing a donation has been made on their behalf for a specific present for a needy child.
