24 Apr 2024 Shop News

Shop spotlight of the month - Paddock

Charity shops are an important part of any community, providing a place to donate and purchase pre-loved fashions and goods at affordable prices. Shining a spotlight on the incredible work of our retail teams, this month, we visited our Paddock shop nestled in the heart of the community.

Nestled 1.6 kilometres from the vibrant centre of Huddersfield, lies the charming little town of Paddock. With its close proximity to one of the main hubs of activity in Kirklees, Paddock has managed to create a unique and inviting atmosphere for its customer base. And, no one embodies this spirit more than our new shop manager, the lovely Liz Cunningham. With her passion and dedication, she has successfully transformed our Paddock shop into a welcoming space for all. From its easily recognizable features, such as the one-of-a-kind twin door system and striking blue exterior, to its warm and inviting ambience, our Paddock shop is a true hidden gem!

As customers approach the entrance to our Paddock shop, they are presented with a decision - which door to choose? Will they venture into our world of pre-loved fashions and clothing on the right, or perhaps explore an Aladdin's cave of bric-a-brac on the left?

At the start of the year, Liz joined the Paddock shop team as manager. With over 20 years of experience working in various charity shops, Liz is perfectly placed to know what works and what doesn't when it comes to attracting new and loyal customers. Her expertise has helped to make Paddock shop a thriving and inviting destination for all.

“I've only been the manager at The Kirkwood Paddock Shop since the middle of January. I've been running charity shops for over 20 years. I love working in charity shops because of the variety that it brings to my working day. 

“Every day is a bit like Christmas, you don't know how the day will pan out. 

“My first impression of the shop when I arrived was one of surprise. I thought It was like two shops in one, which is a little bit quirky, and it appealed to me, I like quirky. Since settling into my position, I've begun to add my stamp on things. 

“I'm very fortunate to work with a great team like my assistant manager David, who has done a tremendous job looking after the shop before I came in.” 

Liz feels proud to work for The Kirkwood and admits that she didn't know much about the charity before joining it. Although she doesn't live in Kirklees, but in Halifax, she has learned a great deal about the organization and its services during her job induction. While she has worked in charity shops before, The Kirkwood is the first hospice she has been associated with. 

Liz feels that she has gained significant knowledge about the hospice movement as a whole and has come to understand the importance of The Kirkwood and the variety of services we provide to the local community, playing an essential role in making a difference in people's lives.

 

On the day of our visit, we also had the pleasure of speaking with two amazing and dedicated volunteers of our Paddock shop, Julie and Kian, who selflessly devote their time to assist Liz in the shop. Julie has been a volunteer for The Kirkwood for the past four years, while Kian joined the team a year ago, with the intention of making a difference in the world and contributing to the greater good. Together, they have made the shop a better place and are proud to be a part of The Kirkwood Movement, as they believe that their work is making a positive impact and supporting people's lives.

Julie, who radiates kindness and compassion, shared her story of why she chose to volunteer, saying, "I absolutely love volunteering for The Kirkwood. It holds a very special place in my heart because my beloved husband, Stuart, passed away on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit four years ago. I wanted to give back to the charity that took such excellent care of him during his final days. Working at the shop and engaging with the wonderful customers brings me so much joy. Liz, our manager, is an exceptional leader who has brought new ideas, and expertise to the shop, and she gets along with everyone so well."

Kian, who is always eager to learn and grow, has found volunteering at The Kirkwood to be a life-changing experience. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Volunteering for The Kirkwood has been an incredible journey for me. This charity is doing amazing work, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I've learned so many new skills that I can take with me to university and beyond, as I pursue my dream of becoming a police officer. The sense of community among the staff and customers at the shop is truly heartwarming, and I feel blessed to have been a part of it."

Coming up next month, we visit The Kirkwood Shop – Holmfirth as we catch up with Maria Korodi and the team to find out what they have planned for the upcoming Holmfirth Art Week.