General news |
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Trading in challenging times
By Janice McPherson, Retail Business Manager It was great in early July to be able to start reopening our Ayrshire Hospice shops and getting back to business.
of our safety measures prior to entry to build confidence and set expectations. We have also taken the time to remerchandise our stores and create new and exciting layouts and customer offerings with the “Designer Room” sections in both Kilmarnock and Prestwick stores. This has allowed us to provide our dedicated fashion buyers to be able to purchase brands like Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, Paul Costello, DKNY to name just a few. This has not only encouraged shoppers to visit these stores but also built confidence with our donors that we have created
an environment to raise maximum funds from their treasured designer items. Our goals for the rest of this year is to continue to adapt our stores to match customer needs in each location allowing us to raise maximum funds during these difficult times and for the long-term future. Once all stores are reopened we hope to increase our spread of stores across Ayrshire, reaching new areas and building on the Ayrshire Hospice Retail Brand to raise even more vital funds for the patients and families we care for.
As with all retailers this was a challenging and sometimes daunting time, however with the wonderful support of our Shop Managers, volunteers, donors and customers we are delighted with the shops that have already reopened in Cumnock, Troon, Prestwick, Kilmarnock and Crown Street Ayr with our remaining stores reopening shortly. Ensuring we delivered a safe shopping environment for our staff, volunteers and customers was our priority, so adaptations were people
centric with large fitted till screens that don’t limit contact but ensure safety. Credit/debit and contactless card payments have been added in all stores as well as sanitising stations at all entry points. Our store layouts ensure clear marking and customer journeys around the shop, easing the ability to social distance and we actively encourage the wearing of face coverings in our shops. We have created information points at entry to ensure customers are aware
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