Charity Shop to Close

It is with sadness we announce that, after 10 years of trading, the 4Sight Vision Support Charity Shop will be closing on 13th March 2019.

Despite the best efforts of our wonderful staff and volunteers to increase sales and profits over the past year, we have not seen the necessary uplift. And with the shop lease due for renewal later this year, we have reluctantly taken the decision to close.

Over the last 12-18 months we have worked hard to turn around the shop’s performance with a range of initiatives such as improvements to the shop’s interior and brightening the exterior, increasing our customer service levels and developing our team of volunteers. Unfortunately, it was not to be. As an independent charity, we need to be mindful of the return we generate from our efforts and in this regard the numbers just don’t add up.

Nik Demetriades, CEO said: “With a potential hard-Brexit looming, the current seemingly continuing decline in the retail sector and a very competitive and overcrowded Charity Retail sector in Bognor, it has made it an almost impossible task to be profitable– especially when faced with other charity shops that have both a larger supporter base and impressive behind the scenes operational networks.

Sarah Brooks, Shop Manager said: “While the decision to close the shop is obviously disappointing, over the years it has made a huge contribution to 4Sight Vision Support, and it really is true to say that without our amazing team of volunteers, we couldn’t have achieved what we have done since 2009. And as many of our customers have said to us over the years, they have loved being able to support a local charity, with real services helping people with sight loss in Bognor and Arun.

As well as the income it has raised, having a high street presence in Bognor has helped boost the charity’s profile, raise awareness of the work we do to support visually impaired people, and help recruit volunteers interested in our charity’s mission. We have also been able to give many volunteers an opportunity to support a local good cause and their community by working in the shop.”

The shop’s final day of trading will be Wednesday 13th March and to help it go out with a bang, a large sale will begin on the 5th of February until the doors close on the 13th of March. Items from clothing to shelfing units, bric a brac to display models will all be included in the 50% Sale for a total clearance. Come down and grab a bargain and say your farewells to the shop staff and volunteers. Regrettably, we will no longer be able to take donations.

The closure of the shop will not affect the charity’s service delivery and as ever, we are currently recruiting volunteers to support our existing services. Interested people should contact the Volunteer Coordinator on 01243 828555.

The charity’s Board of Trustees, Senior Management Team and Staff want to thank everyone who has supported the charity shop over the years and invites anyone who wants to find a way to stay involved to get in touch.

And of course, if you are passing before the shop closes, please drop in to say hello and grab yourself a bargain.

 

You can continue to make a positive difference for people living with sight loss in West Sussex, by donating online today.

Follow the work 4Sight Vision Support on our social media pages, @4SightVS.

 
If you would like support with sight loss and want to become a member of 4Sight Vision Support then please call: 01243 828555 or find out more here