Milton Keynes-based charity Willen Hospice confirm plans to extend lease on Buckingham shop and revamp outlet

The Milton Keynes-based charity Willen Hospice has announced plans to extend its lease on a shop in Buckingham and push ahead with a revamp.

Willen Hospice has announced a new 5 year lease on the site on Bridge Street in the centre of the market town. They have also said that from Thursday 14 May, the shop will close temporarily for its refurbishment and will reopen at 9am on Friday 5 June.

Willen Hospice say they intend for the new-look shop to be, “brighter, more inviting and full of character. Keeping the variety that makes the shop unique, it will still offer high quality clothing, books, jigsaws, jewellery, and an expanded home and garden selection.”

Ian Palmer, our Associate Director of Retail, said, “Buckingham has been an important part of our retail family for many years, so renewing our lease and investing in a full refit feels like the right next step. After a mini refresh two years ago, the shop has gone from strength to strength. This refurbishment lets us build on that success, showing off our furniture, homewares and clothing in a way that’s more inviting and more exciting. It’s about backing the town, backing our community and creating a shop people genuinely want to visit, while raising vital funds for Willen Hospice’s care.” 

The move to continue the lease continues’ the charity’s presence in Buckingham, which stretches back to first opening a charity shop in the town in 2009.

Willen Hospice said, “As the only furniture shop in Buckingham, furniture and homewares are particularly popular items, especially at the start of university terms when the town’s students are moving into new accommodation. Ladieswear is also incredibly popular.

“The new layout will give the shop’s team of passionate staff and volunteers the opportunity to improve the presentation of these items, so customers can clearly see the choice on offer.

“Every purchase made and every item donated in the Buckingham shop supports our free, expert care for local people affected by life-limiting illness. It costs us £11 million each year to offer that care, and more than a quarter of this is funded by customers of the Hospice’s high street and online shops.”