Record sales for Collectables shop in new town centre home
15 August 2025 | View all news
Our much-loved Collectables shop has smashed its sales record after moving to larger premises in Stafford town centre.
The shop, a fixture in our charity’s retail family for 21 years, took almost £1,300 on its opening day, Thursday, 14 August, as hundreds of shoppers and book lovers explored its new home.
VIP guest
Antiques expert and TV favourite Charles Hanson cut the ribbon, chatted with customers, and offered free valuations, revealing the hidden stories behind several items brought in by locals.
“Hospice care is about embracing life and living every moment to the fullest,” said Charles.
“This wonderful new Collectables shop will not only bring joy to treasure hunters, but it will also play a vital role in helping Katharine House Hospice continue their incredible care – not just today, but for many tomorrows to come.”
A ‘novel’ feature
Our new store features a dedicated preloved book department and the cosy reading area proved especially popular.
“It’s just so adorable – like a cosy little library, but bright and welcoming,” one shopper commented.
The best start
Retail General Manager Simon Dodd said:
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better start. The shop was buzzing all day, and the support from our community is incredible.”
With almost 200 square metres of retail space, Collectables remains a hub for antiques and unusual finds, making it one of our largest high street outlets.
The move is expected to boost the £1 million raised annually through our shops to fund our free specialist care for local people living with incurable illnesses.
Simon added:
“Collectables has always had its own quirky personality, offering specialist stock you won’t find in our larger stores that focus on furniture and fashion.
“It holds a special place in our retail family and makes a valuable contribution to our care, serving a niche customer base that we expect to grow with the addition of our book department.”
What our community says
“I love the new space, it is brighter, more open and much more inviting,” commented bargain hunter, Vicky from Heath Hayes.
Coral and husband Paul also popped in to check out our new shop and make a cash donation.
“I love the new location, it’s ideal as many more people will see it. Katharine House Hospice looked after my dad, so it is very special to me.” Coral said.
Shopper Stephen said:
“I support the charity because they looked after my grandma in 2015 and I was really impressed by their care.
“I bought Kiss, the Stone Roses and Madness vinyls today. And I’ll keep supporting the charity and keep the shop going.
“The new shop has a lot of variety for everybody. The more people, the more sales and the more it helps fund their care.”
