A new shop that has been more than a year in the making could give Tameside's hospice a welcome fundraising boost.
Willow Wood opened its first shop in Mossley last week, and the Arundel Street store is already proving to be a hit with customers.
With major events having been cancelled over the past 15 months and lockdowns causing disruption to the charity's other stores, the opening comes at the ideal time for the Ashton-based hospice.
Sharon Hodgkiess, retail operations manager for Willow Wood, told the Manchester Evening News : "We've been looking for a shop in Mossley for some time.
"We actually viewed it and paid a deposit to secure it in March last year. There was some work that needed doing and then lockdowns kept getting in the way. So it's more than 12 months on, but I think it has created a buzz in town.
"We've been really well supported by the people of Mossley so far. They came out in droves last weekend when we opened. It's certainly exceeded our expectations so far.
"We have got quite a few people that have joined us for volunteering from Mossley, but we do have other volunteering opportunities."
Mossley's store is the first new opening for Willow Wood since its Denton shop, which opened its doors on Reddish Lane last August.
The charity's other stores, including Denton, have been hit by the effects of the pandemic - with trade slower than it had been before Covid arrived.
"I think everybody saw a massive rush when shops first reopened and a huge influx of donations," said Sharon.
"But things have evened out, we are running a bit lower than pre-Covid levels. Footfall is still relatively low in shops."
Tameside residents are being urged to keep Willow Wood in mind when shopping or donating goods - both in-store or online via Amazon and eBay.
As well as pre-owned items like clothes, accessories, toys and homewares, the stores also sell new goods like greetings cards.
The charity has a furniture store on Shepley Street, Stalybridge, where there is also a specialist children's store.
It's not just Willow Wood's shops which have been hit by the pandemic, as major fundraising events have also been curtailed over the past year - although some virtual events have been held.
"Across the board there has obviously been a huge knock-on effect on our income," Sharon added.
"If you can't support us financially then please consider supporting us with your time - not even on a regular basis, but just when events are taking place."
Willow Wood has volunteering opportunities at stores and future events, including Midnight Wander on July 23, which is still accepting entries.
Find out more at willowwood.info
