Great British Bake Off’s Briony May Williams has helped to relaunch a much-loved charity shop following its refurbishment and transformation into a vintage boutique.
The shop in Westbury Hill is one of two St Peter’s Hospice shops in Westbury-on-Trym and has been revamped to specialise in vintage goods, just in time for the Christmas shopping season to begin.
Bristol-based Briony, best known for her appearances on Great British Bake Off and as a presenter on Escape to the Country, is encouraging people to shop pre-loved this year and says the new vintage boutique is a great place to start.
She said: “I love shopping in charity shops and vintage stores so the new St Peter’s Hospice vintage boutique is perfect for me! It’s a such a buzz when you find a hidden gem, whether that’s a designer piece at the fraction of the cost, a gorgeous unique dress or the perfect gift for someone that you wouldn’t usually find in other high street stores.
“Sustainable shopping is really having a moment right now. Shoppers are more cost conscious, especially at Christmas when money is extra tight. This year I’m making an effort to either gift homemade items or pre-loved presents.
“I have a personal connection to St Peter’s Hospice so I know first-hand what incredible care and support they provide for patients and families. All the more reason to shop and donate to their high street stores.”
The shop will offer a unique selection of vintage clothing, home goods and small items of furniture and furnishings, all carefully curated to appeal to lovers of timeless styles and sustainable shopping.
All proceeds from the shop will help support St Peter’s Hospice’s vital work in caring for adults with incurable illnesses in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, allowing shoppers to make a positive impact while indulging in one-of-a-kind finds.
John Broomhead, retail director at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “We decided to make this move with the Westbury Hill shop in order to set it apart from our other nearby store in Westbury-on-Trym which will continue to sell mens, ladies and kids clothing plus new goods, accessories and homewares.
“The Westbury Hill store has always had a vintage section but we have now made this the focus of the shop. Westbury-on-Trym is a fantastic location for high street shops like ours but we know with several businesses closing in recent years, we needed to do something to give people a real excuse to visit us.
“We’re providing a curated and handpicked shopping experience that also supports our efforts to raise funds for the Hospice.”
The charity will be launching a loyalty card alongside the opening of the shop, which can be used in either of the two Westbury-on-Trym shops.
St Peter’s Hospice cares for adults with incurable illnesses in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire as well as providing support for their families. All care is provided free of charge but the charity relies on gifts in wills, donations, fundraising and money raised through its retail shops to deliver its services.
