26 Jun 2024 Shop News

Shop spotlight of the month - Holmfirth

Famed for the hit British sitcom Last of the Summer Wine. Situated right on the edge of Kirklees, with its quaint cottages, boutique cafés, and trendy bars and restaurants, surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Pennines, the picturesque town of Holmfirth is a popular destination for many and the home of The Kirkwood Holmfirth Shop.

The Kirkwood Holmfirth shop, located on Victoria Street, is a hub of activity, involved in many projects and events, and our shop manager, Maria Korodi, is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to drive custom into the shop and give back to the community that supports them.

 

 

In August 2023, Maria was assigned the role of the Holmfirth shop manager and has since then been dedicated to enhancing every aspect the shop and its team have to offer, from customer service and community activities to the overall performance of the shop, successfully building strong working relationships with her dedicated volunteering team who continuously contribute to the success of the shop.

Speaking to Maria, she shares her thoughts on her role as manager at The Kirkwood Holmfirth Shop.

"I have worked for The Kirkwood for two years and began my time as deputy shop manager at The Kirkwood Shop in Slaithwaite. Last August, I was offered the opportunity to manage the shop in Holmfirth. It made sense to make the move as I live in the town and am aware of the local events that happen in the community.

"Working for The Kirkwood is an absolute joy; I love working for our charity and being manager of our Holmfirth shop. I hear and see how much The Kirkwood means to so many people, including myself.

"In the earlier days of The Kirkwood, when I was growing up, my mum volunteered in the daycare centre for 15 years when it operated that kind of service. From a young age, I knew of The Kirkwood, but as I grew up, I became more aware of their services and the quality of care they offered when a couple of my friends received treatment from The Kirkwood nursing teams, witnessing the quality of care the charity gives the people of Kirklees and now to be working for the charity as an adult, helping to make a difference, generating income in the shop going towards supporting the care we as a charity provide makes me very proud."

 

The Kirkwood Holmfirth shop is one of the most popular charity shops on the high street. Set out on two levels, customers enter the ground floor straight into women's clothing and accessories, with the righthand section of the ground floor dedicated to the sale of new goods items and homeware, including soft furnishing, handbags and gifts, if you follow the staircase up to the upper level of the shop, you will discover the children's clothes and toy section and a sizable collection of men's clothing and accessories.

 

 

Maria and her team have made wonderful use of the space, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere inside and outside with their imaginative window displays.

Did you know Holmfirth is also well known for its vibrant arts scene? Housing the historic venue, Holmfirth Picturedrome, The Holmfirth Film Festival, and the popular Holmfirth Arts Festival, celebrating all things arts, music, theatre, and film. An event Maria is very passionate about, proudly displaying work from local artists and school children in the shop.

"We've recently had local school children create their self-portrait paintings for the shop, which has been placed up the wall of our staircase leading up to our second floor. The artwork from the children is fantastic and again cements our connection to the local community.

"This year, we have expanded on our connection with the Holmfirth Art Week, and building on the foundations of last year, we will be exhibiting some of the art in our shop for visitors to view this year. The art week is important in the area and an event we are proud to be involved in. The art week attracts people from all over and has run since the 1960s. To be involved with such a prestigious event is a great honor and introduces new footfall into our shop, so more people can learn about the fantastic care The Kirkwood offers across the whole of Kirklees."

 

 

The Kirkwood Holmfirth Shop and its team have involvement in many projects and events throughout the calendar year, including a wonderful budding partnership with Ten Fourteen's, Jayne Coxhead, helping to promote and support their fundraising events in aid of The Kirkwood, such as The Ten Fourteen Fashion Show, which will take place tomorrow. And in July, things do not look to be slowing down anytime soon! Maria and the team will also be hosting a preview evening at the Holmfirth shop on the 4th of July in support of the Holmfirth Art Week, and the following week, the streets of Holmfirth town will be crammed with spectators as Ten Fourteen host their Duck Race on Sunday the 7th. Slowing down by the mid-week of the month with a Spa in the Bar Day on Wednesday the 17th, located at Ten Fourteen Restaurant Bar and Grill.

 

 

One thing Maria is adamant about is how amazing the team is at the shop and how proud she is to work with all of them.

"We have about 20 volunteers working in our shop, bringing different skills and their individualistic style to our shop, and together we have created an atmosphere which is welcoming for both customers and staff, and that is something I am very proud of."

One of those volunteers that Maria speaks so highly of is Simon, deputy manager at the shop. Simon has volunteered with The Kirkwood for 11 years and loves his role.

"I have worked at the shop on and off for about 11 years. It has changed a lot in that time. We have had people come and go over those years, and the shop has been adapted to many looks and layouts over that time. My role in the shop is to keep it looking presentable and tidy while holding down the fort when Maria is away on other duties.

"I'm very committed and proud to work with The Kirkwood, knowing the care they give people. You always hear people saying what The Kirkwood did for them, and those comments fuel my dedication to continue to help."

Another long time volunteer we spoke to during our visit was Linda. Linda shared with us how she has built up her confidence and skills since working in the shop, stating: "I've volunteered for the shop for 6 years, starting my volunteering duties on steaming duty and other such jobs, and as my confidence has grown, I have built my way up to working the till for the first time a couple of months ago.

"I've done a lot of different jobs here, but the till is my favourite now. I like meeting and chatting with customers. I think it's great how we all get along."

Something mentioned by all the team members was how the shop feels like a safe space to work, and one volunteer who echoed those views was Francis.

"My son wanted to volunteer and give something back to the community, volunteering at the shop for a while, but unfortunately, things got a bit with much at school and concentrating on that, he stopped his volunteering duties. He really enjoyed doing it and talked about it often, so when he stepped back from his role, I decided to step in, and I have loved being here ever since.

"When I walk into the shop, I feel safe, I feel like I can be me, and all of us get along so well. I feel like the shop cuts the rest of the world off, walking into a positive, uplifting, and bright world as soon as you walk through the doors.

"Before volunteering at the shop, I didn't know a great deal about The Kirkwood, but I have certainly learnt a lot whilst working here and would recommend people reach out to them if they need help and support."

 

 

During our visit, we met Jane, a regular customer of the shop. She loves to look around and peruse the items on display before making her final selection, enjoying the welcoming atmosphere that the team has created and likes to give back by way of her purchases and those of others, knowing the incoming generated from the sale go towards a good cause and well loved charity.

"I come into the shop regularly and find it an uplifting experience with its positive atmosphere. All the team and volunteers are lovely and make it a nice shop to visit.

"The Kirkwood is a truly important charity in Kirklees. I have first hand experience taking care of my husband, who has heart problems, and I understand just how crucial The Kirkwood is. I was not previously aware of all the services they offer, but now that I am, I think it is amazing. It makes me feel good to know that the money I spend in their shop goes back into helping people and funding those essential services."

 

Have you visited our Holmfirth shop recently? We would love to hear your feedback. If you would like to share your thoughts or have any questions about how you could become part of our retail teams, please email us at: retail@thekirkwood.org.uk.

Coming up next month, we visit The Kirkwood Furniture Shop - Moldgreen as we catch up with Karen Hartley and her team.