A pop-up Christmas shop designed to aid struggling families will open in Bethnal Green next week that will lend items to those in need.
Called Home A Loan, an unsubtle nod to the 35th anniversary of the hit movie Home Alone, the idea is to help ease the financial pressure on parents during the festive period.
Thought up by the lending service Creditspring — founded as an alternative to payday loans — Christmas goods will be given to people free of charge, though there’s no word yet on how many items will actually be available.
“From decorations, trees and toys to kitchenware, every item has been carefully selected to bring joy without the hefty price tag,” said the company.
After Christmas, families can choose to return the items to be redistributed to charities and others in need, or keep them for the following year.
With the autumn Budget looming, Britons are feeling the financial pressure of the festive period, according to the lender, which found more than half (56 per cent) of parents feel pressure to create the “perfect” Christmas.
Two in three said they are cutting back on essentials this year to help fund the December spending spree, Creditspring research also found.
The three-day pop-up will run at a shop on Bethnal Green Road. The Standard has asked exactly how many items will be available to families.
A spokeswoman told the Standard: “Over the course of the three days, we will be giving out nearly 2,000 items, including more than 200 Christmas trees, over 1,000 decorations, 180 stocking fillers and 100 pieces of tableware, among other things.
“We expect to help hundreds of families and make a significant impact. “
The walk-in shop will be free to visit between November 19-23, 137A Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG, creditspring.co.uk
