Hospice Charity Unveils First Department Store

St Luke’s, a hospice charity dedicated to assisting individuals with terminal illnesses, is preparing to open its inaugural department store. The new establishment, located at the Kilner Way retail park in Sheffield, will feature a diverse array of products, from apparel to furniture and homeware, representing what the charity has termed its “most ambitious retail project to date”. The organization reported that its existing retail network currently generates approximately £3m annually and provides support to 1,800 patients. Emma Hawnt, the manager of the new store, commented: “We need to raise £10.5m ourselves, which is why we’re constantly looking for new opportunities to try and bring income in.” St Luke’s has actively worked to adapt its current stores to evolving trends, such as with its recently opened vintage outlet in the city centre. Ms Hawnt indicated that customers will be able to explore the full product range under one roof at the 8,500 sq ft (790 sqm) store, and its accessibility for visits after work is expected to enhance fundraising potential. She further stated: “I’ve been with St Luke’s 14 years, and it’s really changed.” Adding, “The customers have changed, the kinds of donations have changed, and a lot more people are coming in to buy those sorts of things.” Jenny Booth, the Head of Retail, explained: “We look after anyone over the age of 18 across Sheffield, anyone with any terminal illness.” She stressed the importance of fundraising, saying: “It’s very important that the income we raise is funding that.” and specified, “We need £14m a year.” Ms Booth also emphasized the charity’s need to keep its shops current with retail habits, stating: “We need to keep moving, we can’t stand still. If we need to do something different, we will.” St Luke’s confirmed that it receives government funding via the NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group, though this constitutes a “declining proportion of the income we need – currently just 25%”.