Wigan charity anticipating surge in donations as it prepares to reopen its shop

The store on Gidlow Lane has been closed during the coronavirus lockdown, but will welcome back customers from 9am on Monday.

Retail manager Michael Evans hopes people across the borough will show support.

He said: “We are expecting to receive a lot of donations when the shop re-opens as people have spent many weeks at home decluttering and sorting out garages and spare rooms which means that there will be more unwanted clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac then ever before.

“Due to the closure of The Brick’s retail shops, the reduction in fund-raising and a lack of donations overall, our charity urgently needs support from the community.”

The Brick Shop has a new telephone donations policy to ensure staff are not overwhelmed and can manage the available space.

People are asked to call 01942 324883 and they will receive a date and time to drop off their donations.

Once the items are in the store they will be quarantined for at least 72 hours.

When asked about returning to the store, Mr Evans said: “It has been hard not being able to open the shop as, like me, the people I have spoken to have missed it.

“It’s not just a shop for me, it is a place that over the 43 years since it first opened has become the heart of the community in Wigan.

“The Brick Shop has a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere, where you can always grab a bargain and you will always be welcomed whether you buy something or just come in for a browse.

“I am excited and looking forward to the reopening and I will welcome all of our customers back, old and new.”

In addition to the new policy for donations, there are a number of changes in the store to keep customers and staff safe.

All staff will wear protective equipment, the shop has two-metre spaces marked out, there is hand sanitiser at the front door which must be applied before entering, a one-way system has been installed and there will be a maximum of six people allowed in the shop at any time.

The re-opening of the shop will provide a real boost for the charity, which supports people who are homeless or in poverty.

Demand for its help has soared during the pandemic, particularly from those in need of food parcels, and its staff have continued to help some of the most vulnerable people in the borough.

Monday is a key moment for many local retailers, being the date when the Government said that non-essential stores could finally start trading on the high street again.

The day will see at least some of the stalls re-opening in Wigan and Leigh’s indoor markets too.

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