19 Mar 2025 Shop News

Shop spotlight of the month - Wyke

A small but mighty shop loved by its community!
The Kirkwood shop in Wyke might be one of the smallest in the charity’s retail operation, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in spirit. The shop is a true gem of the community, offering a carefully curated selection of clothing, homeware, and bric-a-brac, all while serving as a welcoming hub for locals. With its bright, inviting atmosphere and a team of dedicated volunteers, it’s easy to see why this shop has become such a beloved part of Wyke.

Wyke, a village within the Kirklees district of West Yorkshire, sits between Bradford and Huddersfield. Known for its strong community ties, the area has a proud local identity, and a sense of community that defines The Kirkwood shop in Wyke, making it more than just a place to find bargains, it’s a place where people come together.

“This shop is more than just a place to buy second-hand clothes and homeware, it’s at the heart of the community,” says Shop Manager, Yvonne Wood.

“We’re right in the centre of the village, and people don’t just pop into shop, they come in for a chat, to catch up, and to feel part of something. We have walking groups that meet here before heading out, and we work closely with local businesses.

Because I’ve lived in Wyke all my life, I know the people here, and I know what they’re looking for. It’s not just about selling items, it’s about making sure the shop is welcoming, that people feel comfortable coming in, and that they know they’re supporting an amazing cause while they do it.”

Despite its modest size, the shop’s layout maximising space and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Shaped in a rectangular format, the large front window lets in plenty of natural light, making the shop feel bright and open. Carefully arranged displays of clothing and bric-a-brac ensure that customers can browse with ease, and the friendly buzz of conversation fills the air.

“People always tell us they love coming in because there’s a warmth here, you’re always greeted with a smile, and we make sure it’s a friendly, bright place to visit,” Yvonne adds. “That’s what keeps our customers coming back.”
 

For Theresa Laville, one of the shop’s newer volunteers, it was this very atmosphere that made her want to join the team. She said: “I’d say my journey here was a happy accident! I only came in to buy a shirt one day, and somehow, I’ve been here ever since. I had been looking for another volunteering role after the shop I previously volunteered at shut down, but I didn’t have any where specific in mind.

"When I walked into The Kirkwood shop in Wyke, I instantly felt the atmosphere, it just had this welcoming and positive vibe. I thought, ‘You know what? This might be the place for me.’ I spoke to Yvonne, and we hit it off straight away. It felt right. Like I’d found my people, and I haven’t looked back since.”

The shop thrives thanks to its dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom have been involved for years. Their passion for the shop and its cause is evident in everything they do, from chatting with customers to organising stock and setting up eye catching displays.
 

“One of the best things about this job is the volunteers,” Yvonne explains. “I’m lucky to have such a fantastic team, and what makes it even more special is that many of them have been here since the shop first opened. We’ve built such strong relationships over the years; it’s like a little family. Everyone supports each other, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie. We don’t just work hard; we have fun while we do it.

"There’s always laughter, there’s always banter, and there’s always music playing. The atmosphere here is something people always comment on, customers love how friendly and welcoming the shop feels, and that’s all down to the amazing volunteers.”

Theresa agrees, adding: “One of the most rewarding parts of being here is the relationships we build, not just with the customers, but within the team as well. There’s a real sense of belonging. We all support each other, and that makes coming in every day such a pleasure.

"Yvonne is such a well-known and respected figure in the community, and that goes a long way in making this shop what it is. You can tell people love coming here, and I think that’s why it feels more like a family than just a workplace.”

Beyond the day-to-day operations, The Kirkwood shop plays a vital role in raising funds for the organisation, our charity that provides specialist palliative care for people living with life limiting illnesses across Kirklees.

For both Yvonne and Theresa, knowing that their work directly contributes to this cause is deeply rewarding.

“The Kirkwood isn’t just another charity, it’s something truly special, and I’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes,” Yvonne says. “Over the years, they’ve cared for three members of my family, and the support they provided was incredible. It’s not just about end-of-life care; it’s about helping people live well for as long as possible and being there for families too. That’s why I’m so passionate about what we do here in the shop. Every item we sell, every pound we make, goes towards providing that care for more families like mine. It makes me so proud to be part of something that genuinely changes lives.”

For Theresa, it’s the local impact that makes The Kirkwood so special. “One of the best things about volunteering here is knowing that everything we do is helping to support The Kirkwood and the incredible work they do. It’s a great cause, and I love that it’s so local, it’s not some big national charity, it’s focused on our community and the people around us. That makes it feel even more meaningful. Every item we sell and every donation we receive goes towards supporting patients and families in Kirklees, and that’s something to be proud of. Being part of that, even in a small way, feels amazing.”

Yvonne is always looking for ways to improve the shop and ensure its continued success since becoming manager, has worked hard to make the shop a success.

"I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved. Especially in today’s climate, when people are watching every penny, being able to hit and exceed our targets is a huge achievement. Every day, I make sure the shop is well organised, that we’re pricing items fairly, and that we’re giving customers a great shopping experience.”

With its unbeatable community spirit, dedicated volunteers, and unwavering support for The Kirkwood, the Wyke shop is proof that a small space can make a big impact. Whether it’s raising funds, building connections, or simply offering a friendly face to those who pop in, The Kirkwood shop in Wyke continues to be a cornerstone of the village, one that both staff and customers alike are proud to call their own.