Homelessness charity Emmaus Hertfordshire has opened a new store in Letchworth, following the closure of its St Albans site.

The new store opened on Saturday (May 4) and is located in the town's Garden Square Shopping Centre.

The site will feature a range of affordable, pre-loved furniture, homewares, electricals, clothing and accessories.

Upcycled and handmade items from an onsite workshop will also be sold.

The Comet: Store manager Christian and Emmaus Hertfordshire staff member Graham cutting the ribbon.Store manager Christian and Emmaus Hertfordshire staff member Graham cutting the ribbon. (Image: Emmaus Hertfordshire)

Emmaus Hertfordshire will begin trading from the ground floor of the premises, with plans to expand over time.

The charity is appealing for residents to donate quality pre-loved items to help fill the shelves, and has asked for volunteers to man the shop.

Emmaus’ business development manager, Gemma Beckett said: “We’re so excited to be expanding our charity shop offering into North Hertfordshire with this shop in Letchworth.

"For some time, we’ve been looking for a great new location to grow into.

The Comet: Pre-loved and upcycled furniture in Emmaus Hertfordshire's new store.Pre-loved and upcycled furniture in Emmaus Hertfordshire's new store. (Image: Emmaus Hertfordshire)

“We know that the second-hand market is becoming increasingly popular with consumers – it’s not just more sustainable and better for our planet, it’s more affordable and every penny you spend does some good.

“We’re delighted to join the Letchworth community and serve residents with an eclectic mix of affordable household essentials and one-off statement pieces.

"We can’t wait to begin trading and can see exciting things happening in this store’s future.”

The Comet: A range of pre-loved items can be found in-store.A range of pre-loved items can be found in-store. (Image: Emmaus Hertfordshire)

The charity's St Albans store, Out of the Emmaus Workshop, featured items created by the charity's residents and people supported by HACRO (The Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders).

The St Peter's Street site closed last month (April 2024), but the items created by both charities will continue to be featured in stores throughout Hertfordshire.

Neighbouring betting shop Jennings Bet is under the threat of a planning application, and has applied to take the former Emmaus Workshop unit.

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These plans can be viewed by using reference 5/2023/2428 on the St Albans City & District Council planning portal.

Emmaus Hertfordshire is on the lookout for a replacement premises for its Out of the Emmaus Workshop store in St Albans.

The Comet: The charity has appealed for residents to donate good quality furniture.The charity has appealed for residents to donate good quality furniture. (Image: Emmaus Hertfordshire)

Anyone who can help with this task is asked to email gemma.beckett@emmaus.org.uk.