FROME’S Rotary Clubs have reported a bumper first couple of weeks of trade at their new pop-up charity shop in the old M&Co premises in Westway.
Prior to opening, the shop was “completely full” of donated items ready to sell – but after the first week of opening, the three Frome Rotary Clubs, operating as ‘Rotary in Frome’, were calling on the community to help them stock up!
“We were completely full,” said Richard Lines on behalf of Rotary in Frome. “We couldn’t take anything in. But then, all of a sudden, we opened and we had four really big days. We had really good takings and we sold a lot of stuff, including quite significant bits of furniture.
“It’s a very hopeful sign for the future, and with the majority of funds going to Frome charities and deserving causes, we’re off to a fantastic start!”
The shop is also helping the clubs to promote its “recycle, re-use, re-purpose, and renew” message, encouraging people to do more to support the environment.
“It’s all about keeping stuff out of landfill,” explained Richard, “and recycling what we can – which is one of the seven causes of the Rotary this year.”
The new charity shop, which is the largest of the five that the clubs manage, has been eight months in the planning stages, with a January opening delayed because of the third national lockdown.
Ian Buick, president of Rotary Club of Frome, said, “This has been a big behind the scenes operation for everyone on the management group as well as the team who have transformed the sales area. I would like to take this opportunity to give a huge thank you to everyone from all three clubs for the amazing shop they have created.
Jenny Bennett, president of Frome Selwood Rotary, said, “The generosity of donations by the general public received so far has been overwhelming plus there has been a lot of hard work put in by all the clubs involved cleaning, pricing and make the premises meet Covid requirements.
“Now that the Covid rules have slightly relaxed we are looking forward to seeing all visitors who wish to come and see what we have on offer.”
The shop is now accepting donations of furniture large and small, kitchen equipment, homewares and electrical. They cannot accept donations of clothing.
The store, is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and is manned and managed by Rotary Club volunteers.
