Richmond community store celebrated at grand opening
12 years of service to the community was celebrated at the grand opening of the newly relocated ANGLICARE Richmond store on Thursday, 6 November.
More than just a place that sells high quality clothing at an affordable price, the shop has become for some Richmond residents a place to go for a chat and a friendly face.
Richard McNeill, 89 year old Richmond resident and volunteer at the Richmond store, approves of the move to the new location and says one of the things he loves about working at the shop is the people he gets to meet.
Volunteering at the store since it first opened in Richmond, Dick says he’s seen a lot of people come through the store and has made friends with a few regulars.
“I really enjoy coming here. It gives me something to do and you get to meet endless people from all over the district,” he says.
“Volunteering at the store wouldn’t have been something I’d contemplated. I was a farmer for most of my life but when my wife passed away I began volunteering here a couple of days a week.”
The move to a bigger and more modern location has certainly given the community shop a new lease on life according to shop manager Bronwyn Ashcroft.
“Our volunteers, staff and the customers have been thrilled with the new site,” says Bronwyn.
“We think the move is fantastic. There is wheel chair access and rails to assist people and a bigger area for our volunteers to sit and have a cup of tea while they work. Everyone has been enjoying the lovely new facilities.”
“It’s been great to hear such positive feedback from the community. Not only do we have great quality clothes at reasonable prices, we’ve even had some of our customers saying the shop front was so appealing it naturally drew you in.”
18 year old Frances Van Zuilekom who has also occasionally helped out her mum who works at the store said she enjoyed coming to the shop because of the great prices, but it did get particularly busy during half price day.
“I love the bargains here,” Frances said. “Recently I managed to get a brand new pair of R M Williams boots for just $12.”
Last year alone there were more than 18,000 paying customers who bought clothes at the Richmond store.
With profits from sales supporting ANGLICARE’s aged care services in Richmond and community care services at Rooty Hill, the grand opening was also a chance to celebrate the many years of support Richmond residents have provided their community through the store.
