St Luke’s to close its Marketplace shop after 20 years

St. Luke’s Hospice in Basildon has announced today that its Basildon Marketplace shop will be closing on Saturday 15 August 2020. The shop first opened its doors to customers over 20 years ago, and has been a staple in the community ever since.

Dave Emery, Head of Retail at St. Luke’s Hospice, said:

“It’s very sad that we have to close down this shop. The Market Square parade is due for demolition as part of Basildon Council’s town centre regeneration plans. The shop would have been closed towards the end of this year regardless, therefore we have closed it slightly earlier than anticipated. Added factors have been the Covid-19 reopening measures, equating to a drop in sales, but also, at the same time, we have been able to keep a valued colleague employed.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to our volunteers of this shop throughout the years. Hopefully, when the redevelopment is finished and we have a secured a new unit, we would love to welcome the team back!

“We’re so grateful for the support we have received over the years and we will miss our regular customers dearly.”

The Market Square shop was locally nicknamed the ‘Baby Shop’ as it regularly sold a variety of baby related items like prams, cots and strollers. 

Dave said:

“We will be stocking our shop on South Walk in Basildon with our popular pieces, including baby items, so please do head there for a bargain whilst continuing to support your local hospice.”

The St. Luke’s Hospice shops are a vital form of income and the charity rely on selling donated items in its shops and on its eBay page to raise money to fund the essential services provided to local people and their families.

For more information about St. Luke’s Hospice and where to find your nearest St. Luke’s Hospice shop, please visit www.stlukeshospice.com.