Transformation of our Hitchin store celebrated with official reopening
Garden House Hospice Care are delighted to announce the official reopening of our Hitchin shop, following a refurbishment that promises to elevate the shopping experience while continuing to support vital palliative and wellbeing services for the local community.
Since opening its doors in 1992, the store located on Bancroft has been a cornerstone of sustainable shopping on the high street. As one of the Hospice’s 11 charity shops, it plays a crucial role in funding services that offer free care to individuals and families living with life-limiting illnesses across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage, Central Bedfordshire, and parts of Cambridgeshire.
The Bancroft team ready to serve customers
A celebration of community support
On Thursday 27th March, crowds of loyal customers and new visitors came together to celebrate the shop’s transformation. The store’s fresh new look, expanded selection of fashion, and beautiful upcycled furniture caught the attention of many.
A display of newly stocked preloved fashion in store
Richard Wayment, Retail Director at Garden House Hospice Care, shared his excitement about the changes:
“We are incredibly excited to unveil the refurbishment of our Hitchin Bancroft store, a project made possible by the dedication and hard work of our fantastic team. This transformation is the result of seamless collaboration between our staff, volunteers, and Miller, our trusted fitters, all working together to create a space that is not only functional but inspiring.”
The refurbished store now features an expanded range of men’s and women’s fashion, as well as children’s wear and toys. Shoppers can also find a new lifestyle room showcasing upcycled furniture, beautifully restored by the Upcycling House team. These items offer sustainable, unique alternatives to traditional furniture, perfectly reflecting the charity’s commitment to both quality and environmental responsibility.
A display of preloved childrens' toys and games
Positive community response
The newly revamped store has already received glowing feedback from customers, with many commenting on the store’s new look, the welcoming atmosphere, and the quality and pricing of the stock.
“We’ve had such positive feedback from our visitors, and it’s clear that the community is excited to shop with purpose,” Richard Wayment added. “The changes we’ve made are not just about creating a beautiful space; they are about ensuring that every visit to our shop helps support the essential services we provide to local families in need.”
Supporting vital services
The Hitchin Bancroft shop is a key contributor to Garden House Hospice Care’s mission, helping to raise the £7.7 million needed each year to fund free palliative care and wellbeing services. The Hospice relies on charitable donations and income from its retail operations to meet the £15,300 required daily to continue providing this care.
A display of newly stocked preloved fashion in store
“Every purchase made at our charity shops directly supports local families facing life-limiting illnesses,” said Richard Wayment. “We are incredibly proud of the work our team has done to transform the shop, and we invite both our loyal and new customers to come and explore the refreshed space. Your support makes a tangible difference to the lives of those who need us most.”
