Willen Hospice is refurbishing its Buckingham charity shop after renewing the lease on its Meadow Walk premises for a further five years.
The shop, which has traded in the town centre since 2009, will close temporarily on 14 May before reopening on 5 June following a full refit aimed at improving the layout and expanding its home and garden offering.
The hospice said the investment reflects the continued importance of the Buckingham branch within its wider retail operation, which helps fund specialist care services across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.
Furniture, homewares and clothing remain among the shop’s strongest-performing categories, with demand often increasing during university term changes as students move into new accommodation in the town.
Ian Palmer, associate director of retail at Willen Hospice, said the organisation wanted to build on the shop’s recent performance and strengthen its long-term presence in Buckingham.
“Buckingham has been an important part of our retail network for many years, so renewing the lease and investing in the shop felt like the natural next step,” he said.
“The refurbishment will help us present our furniture, homewares and clothing ranges more clearly while creating a better experience for customers and donors.”
Income generated through the hospice’s retail division supports its specialist care services for people with life-limiting illnesses. Willen Hospice said its shops and online retail operations contribute more than a quarter of the charity’s annual funding requirements.
The Buckingham branch is expected to reopen at 9am on 5 June.
