Homelessness charity opens second-hand department store

A former Debenham’s store in Preston has been transformed into a 120,000 square foot charity department store by homelessness charity, Emmaus Preston.

The Emmaus Department Store at Fishergate Shopping Centre opened its doors on 14 March after a ten-week effort to fill the space with pre-loved furniture, white goods, fashion, homeware, toys, end-of-line curtains and new bedding.

Karen Wallis, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Preston, emphasised the impact of the initiative: "Our new social enterprise is incredibly important for the future of the city of Preston. The Emmaus Department Store is not only reviving the high street and helping pay for essentials for people supported by Emmaus, it is also helping to reuse items and allow people to shop more sustainably."

The store, which was opened by Emmaus ambassador, Jay Flynn MBE, aligns with growing consumer interest in second-hand shopping, with Reuse Network estimating that 1.5 million households received second-hand essentials in 2024.

All proceeds from sales will help Emmaus Preston raise funding needed to provide a home, support, work experience and training for people with experience of homelessness and social exclusion in Lancashire.

Additionally, people supported by Emmaus gain benefit from work experience and skills development within the charity.

Kim, who is receiving support from Emmaus, reflected on the value of the initiative: “Emmaus provides more than a roof over my head. I feel really happy because I’m around lovely people. It was a nice atmosphere on opening day and I feel like it’s going to be a great success in the future.

“Emmaus Department Store is going to help me get the work experience and develop the skills for when I move on from Emmaus.”