Queues form as Willen Hospice opens £1 clearance shop in Milton Keynes

Queues formed outside Willen Hospice’s new clearance outlet in Stacey Bushes as more than 500 customers visited on its opening day, highlighting strong local demand for low-cost, sustainable shopping in Milton Keynes.

With all items priced at £1, £3 or £5, shoppers queued around the block on Thursday to be among the first through the doors. The ribbon was cut by Milton Keynes mayor James Lancaster alongside Willen Hospice chief executive Kate Broadhurst.

By the end of the first day, more than 2,600 items had been sold. Women’s clothing accounted for around half of all sales, helping to raise vital funds to support the hospice’s care services across Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.

In addition to men’s and women’s clothing and homewares, the shop includes a concession from Off The Record, the hospice’s independent music store based in central Milton Keynes. The music section proved popular, with more than 500 vinyl records and CDs sold on the first day.

Ian Palmer, associate director of retail at Willen Hospice, said the response had exceeded expectations. He said the turnout showed how important affordable and sustainable shopping has become for local residents, while also demonstrating the community’s ongoing support for the charity’s work. Palmer added that staff and volunteers played a crucial role in preparing the store for launch and delivering such a successful opening.

Willen Hospice needs to raise £9.6 million each year to fund its specialist care for people living with life-limiting illnesses. Its network of 13 charity shops across Milton Keynes and neighbouring areas provides one of its most reliable income streams, directly supporting patients and their families.

The new clearance outlet is located at the front of Stacey Bushes Trading Centre on Erica Road and offers free parking. It is open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The hospice is also recruiting volunteers to support the new shop. Roles offer an opportunity to gain retail experience while contributing to a local charity. Further information is available in-store or via the Willen Hospice website.