STAFF and shoppers have been left heartbroken after learning their local charity shop will close for good this week.
The Salvation Army’s shop on Cornerswell Road, Penarth is set to close its doors on Thursday and shoppers are devastated.
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The store has been running for 30 years and both staff and shoppers say that it has been a lifeline for people in need.
The sign in the shop window reads: “It is with regret that we need to inform you that this shop will be CLOSING at 4pm on 12 October.”
“We wish to sincerely that all of our customers for their support over the years. It has been greatly appreciated.”
Mrs Darcey who has been volunteering at the store for 10 years said: “It is people struggling who are going to suffer.”
She told Barry and District News: “This used to be a hub of the community. We collect sleeping bags and warm clothing for the homeless. We help cat and dog homes collecting towels and blankets people bring in.”
The volunteer even said one loyal customer has been travelling to a from Kenya for 20 years taking essentials for women and children.
Mrs Darcey said: “We’ve had people come here turned out from their homes and we have kitted them out with clothes.”
She explained the store has become a hub of resources for people in need.
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Now she fears the Salvation Army is losing its place as a well-known and respected brand.
The shop is currently taking donations and intends to put on a £1 sale to try and get rid of stock.
Shoppers were crushed after learning the store would be closing. Many left heartfelt messages on Facebook.
One loyal fan even attempted to rally customers to campaign for the store to stay open.
He said: “Can we not get together as a community and save the Salvation Army shop on Cornwell Road? I’m happy to manage for free.”
A Facebook user said: “It has been so much more than a shop and the staff have provided a smile, safe space, company, support and help to some of the loneliest and most vulnerable people in the area who often saw the shop as a place of human contact and community.”
“The staff are heartbroken and shocked as they volunteer their time and it’s been a real labour of love for them.”
Another said: “Lovely little shop, bought my windmill-obsessed grandson a little china windmill in there this morning. The staff were just so very lovely.”
“It’s tragic that the landlord’s greed has forced this lovely shop to close. Will miss the lovely ladies,” said a third.
In other news Boots is set to close more shops within days as customers say they ‘can’t understand why’.
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Plus Wilko shoppers say they are ‘going to be lost’ as the last remaining stores are now closed forever.
But a discount brand name is disappearing from the high street forever after it was bought out by Home Bargains.
