Bigger and better op-shop

Volunteer Sue Pitiroi hangs new items on the racks at the Taupō Hospice Shop. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

The Taupō Hospice Shop is now in larger premises at the former Danske Mobler store in Totara Point and is open for business.

By Dan Hutchinson

The new location allows the shop to combine its retail operations into one shop and to display more of their goods.

Lake Taupō Hospice retail operations manager Georgie Day says customer response has been overwhelmingly positive since the shop opened its doors on April 15.

"It was packed solid the first day that we opened … Really, really good feedback. They love it."

The expanded space features larger fitting rooms that will be lockable to prevent theft, a much bigger book area, and better display options for items like linen and curtains that were previously "stuck away, poked in a corner" in the old location.

Georgie says the new layout allows the shop to stock more merchandise without creating a backlog in the storage area.

The shop opened three days earlier than planned.

"We just wanted to get the shop open and get sales coming back in because we were still paying rent and everything, obviously, and wages, but the shop wasn't selling."

The shop recently acquired a second van to expand its pickup and delivery services.

Georgie says the shop plans to increase house clearances and work with real estate agents on deceased estates.

"We're hoping to increase our pickups and deliveries. We want to do more house clearances and reach out to the real estate agents."

The shop has also seen an increase in male volunteers, which Day says helps with the expanded delivery operations.

Friday's grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting by landlord Glynn Pointon, along with cake for attendees. The event is open to everyone, with the official opening at 10am.