20 Feb 2026 Shop News

Shop Spotlight of the month - Denby Dale

Where designer labels meet heartfelt care: discover the secret to the success of The Kirkwood’s Denby Dale Shop.

In a village celebrated for its beautiful rural surroundings and friendly community spirit, The Kirkwood’s Denby Dale Shop has cultivated a reputation as a destination were sought after designer labels are showcased seamlessly alongside everyday treasures. It is a place where visitors are welcomed like friends and every discovery supports vital local hospice care.

We caught up with Debra Hammonds, Shop manager at The Kirkwood Denby Dale Shop, to find out more about what makes the shop so popular, and why there is such a special atmosphere for everyone involved there.

According to shop manager Debra, who has been with the shop for the last seven years, it is the consistently high quality of donations from the village that truly sets the shop apart on the high street. Supported by a close knit and affluent local community, the shop regularly receives high end items, creating a strong sense of trust between donors and the team. Debra explains that supporters are confident their generous donations will be valued and priced appropriately, knowing that quality items are sold at a level that reflects their worth and helps maximise the funds raised for the charity.

There is a distinct sense of discovery within the Denby Dale shop. The rails are a finely edited mix of high-street staples and designer labels, each piece hand selected and thoughtfully priced. As Debra explains: “We receive truly fantastic pieces, finding labels like Boden, M&S, Zara, H&M, COS, clothing on our rails on sale for £16 which is a daily reality, and adds to the unique charm that makes our shop floor so special.”









A cornerstone of village life, the shop seamlessly blends its high-end reputation with a warm, approachable atmosphere, a balance that matters deeply to the team. As Debra explains: “We don’t want to outprice people who use charity shops, that’s always on our mind. However, because of the quality of the stock we get, we do have to price it properly and that helps us raise as much as we can.”

Long-time volunteer Yvonne Morgan thinks the atmosphere within the shop is just as important as the items on sale. She believes the village setting plays a key role, with easy parking and a strong sense of community helping to create a welcoming space where familiar faces return week after week, often simply to stop by for a chat as much as to browse. Having volunteered with The Kirkwood for more than 15 years, Yvonne feels it is the shop’s warmth and compassion that keeps people coming back. She explains that many donors are parting with deeply personal belongings, sometimes from loved ones who have died, and that a gentle, empathetic approach is essential, something she believes is shared by everyone in the team.

During our visit, we spoke with customers like Alice Cooper, a regular visitor of our Denby Dale shop: “I’ve probably been coming in about once a week since it opened, and have found all sorts during my visits, from children’s clothes, school uniform, books, and most of my kitchen items.”

For Alice, the appeal of the shop lies in both the quality of items and the cause it supports. She enjoys the sense of discovery that comes with browsing, there is always the possibility of something unexpected appearing on the shelves. That feeling of loyalty is shared by John Ross, who has supported the shop since moving to the area. A regular donor and shopper, he is passionate about backing the work of The Kirkwood and believes strongly in its importance. Having previously seen the impact of hospice care in Leicester, John feels the same level of support is vital locally and is committed to helping in any way he can.






Behind the stylish rails and carefully dressed window displays lies a deep sense of purpose. For Debra and her team, the shop’s high standards are a direct reflection of their commitment to the cause. She explains: “Everything we do, we know where that money is going. It’s not at the back of our minds, it’s at the front. That’s why we price the way we do, we want to raise as much as we can through our sales, because we know it goes back into patient and family care.”

The Kirkwood’s Denby Dale shop stands out through its unique combination of premium finds and sincere community spirit. More than just a place to shop, it has become a village landmark, a destination where high-fashion discoveries meet a heartfelt cause, and a quiet but powerful way for the community to support the vital care of The Kirkwood.