Leicestershire charity superstore cleared for landing

Your local air ambulance has unveiled ambitious plans to transform a former Next unit in Leicester into a charity superstore which will raise vital funds for the lifesaving service.

The charity, which operates the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), is due to “land” in Leicester this July after officially securing the lease to turn the large unit into ‘The Hanger’.

The Beaumont Leys superstore, located in the Beaumont Shopping Centre, Bradgate Mall, will undergo a substantial transformation over the next few weeks. The 20,000 sq ft space will be transformed into the charity’s biggest store to date and will offer a great opportunity to customers with a vast range and quantity of goods, as well as a donation station to make it easier for people to drop off donations.

The superstore – split over two floors – will be selling both new and pre-loved homeware, furniture, clothing, electricals, entertainment, and brand-new white goods.

“The success of our superstore is vital as our 24/7 frontline service – which has attended over 42,000 missions – receives no government funding and relies solely on donations from the public and retail income to keep saving lives,” says the charity’s Head of Retail, Gemma Ingram.

The charity currently operates 56 shops, and this latest venture will be its third superstore.

“Shopping in a charity shop is experience shopping,” explains Gemma “Customers love the thrill of not knowing what they will find, and we want to make that experience last longer by offering a wider choice, a fantastic and friendly environment, and by also offering a community space for them.”

“After having boutique and home stores locally for a number of years we can wholeheartedly say that the generous Leicestershire community has been good to our charity, and we have every confidence we will be able to bring a great charity retail experience to the people of Beaumont Leys,” adds Gemma.

The superstore announcement follows this year’s launch of the lifesaving service’s brand-new replacement aircraft – so support for them is essential as they attend up to ten potentially lifesaving missions per day with each mission costing £1,700.

Work is currently underway to get the store ready for a July launch, and the charity is welcoming stock donations and has many volunteering opportunities. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can find out more and apply here or call 0300 3045 999 and specify Beaumont Leys Superstore as the location for volunteering.

For those wishing to donate items, the charity will be accepting donations at the door of the Beaumont Leys store from 5 July, and people can arrange for furniture donations to be collected free of charge from 28 June by calling 07950 423767.