Opening of charity shop at Kirkby Lonsdale causes a stir

2:56pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Emma Lidiard

A SOUTH Lakeland town is split over the arrival of its first new charity shop in 25 years.

Kirkby Lonsdale’s Chamber of Trade and Allan Muirhead, the chairman of the town council, have expressed disappointment at the opening of the Save the Children store.

They claim it will have ‘no direct benefit’ for the town and are concerned that the North West Air Ambulance is believed to be opening an outlet soon.

Bosses at the new store have tried to fit in with Kirkby's image by decorating the premises – the former Animal Emporium on Market Street – with chandeliers and Laura Ashley wallpaper.

Robin Sadler, the chair of the Chamber of Trade, said his objections were 'tempered' by the shop's boutique style.

“There are only about six of these shops in the country and the others are in London or Edinburgh,” said Mr Sadler. “We want to avoid the normal look of a charity shop because if it looks grubby then it drags the town down with it. “Kirkby Lonsdale is not big enough for more than one charity shop. We need to have some sense of proportion.”

Mr Muirhead said he was worried that one charity shop would bring more.

“It's not something that does the town any good,” he said. “I have no criticism of the charities themselves – they support worthwhile causes – but Save the Children will be selling upper market brand goods which will be in direct competition with other retailers. This could damage trade as generally charity shops are excused from paying rates and they use volunteers so have no wages to pay.”

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Diane Heaton, regional man-ager for Save the Children North West, said the town had 'embraced' the shop since its opening on August 26.

“Everybody has been positive and we have been really busy,” said Mrs Heaton. “Nothing we sell will be new except our gift cards so we will not be competition for anyone. The shop gives people a chance to buy quality goods, recycle and help a valuable cause.”

China Bull Emporium owner Michael Hodgkinson said he was sitting 'on the fence' in the debate.

“It's a little bit of a shame to see charity shops creeping in,” he said. “But there is room for all.”

Comments(26)

Ambience says...
3:16pm Wed 5 Sep 12

So the local Chamber of Trade and the Town Council think that Kirkby Lonsdale is too posh to accommodate charity shops do they. They are wrong. I have visited the new Save the Children shop there and it is certainly not grubby, nor does it 'drag the town down'.

I would rather save the children than the snobs on the Town Council and the Chamber of Trade.

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life cycle too says...
5:34pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Windermere has had a Save the Children shop for years, so the councillors won't have to travel far to see how much trade is taken from other retailers - I have never heard any complaints about it.

And Princess Anne once visited the shop, and the town was spruced up as a result of her visit - a clear advantage to other traders that Kirkby Lonsdale should aspire to!

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churchy66 says...
6:19pm Wed 5 Sep 12

This is just typical of the narrow minded Local Council and Chamber of Trade in Kirkby Lonsdale, this does not surprise anyone who lives and works within the town. It is such a shame that some of them have this attitude. There are many in Kirkby who are looking forward to these shops - if the rent was lowered then perhaps 'posh' shops could thrive within the town. So Chamber of Trade this is the 21st Century, Charity Shops are here to stay, stop being so negative and look at the positive and please grow up and stop throwing your toys out of your prams

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cumbrian1 says...
7:43pm Wed 5 Sep 12

but Save the Children will be selling upper market brand goods which will be in direct competition with other retailers.

Nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition, might shake up retailers who have been having it good for so long.

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Moonbase says...
7:52pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Charity begins at home in Kirkby.....Penny Millionaires........
...Think they have an exclusive Town, but it is not....rife with drugs.
I think a drop in centre would be good?

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Lakeuk says...
8:28pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I had to suffer this shop on the first day it opened, wandering round Kirkby Lonsdale a family member noticed the shop and looked around, resulting in me having to part with a small fortune, at least I wasn't spending it on parking.

Jesting aside it does look good from the outside and you don't realise it's a charity shop until inside - that may change once a sign goes up but I hope if they do that it's in keeping with the current look. I do think chain charity shops should pay full rates but that's a separate debate

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life cycle too says...
8:45pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Perhaps ALL shops should pay a percentage of their profits, rather than a fixed sum...?

You are right LakeUK - a separate debate, but one pertinent to this issue.

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Ben Berry says...
9:38pm Wed 5 Sep 12

life cycle too wrote:
Perhaps ALL shops should pay a percentage of their profits, rather than a fixed sum...?

You are right LakeUK - a separate debate, but one pertinent to this issue.
I dont think shops should be penalised for doing well with a higher business rate(tax). Although that is how progressive taxation works...

The point LakeUK has made should be debated... Almost all charity shops operate on a near commercial basis. But their money goes to funding a charity rather than shareholders or cooperatives. Its a hard one

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Lakeuk says...
10:46pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Landlords take in charities as it works out cheaper than having the premises empty, alot of landlords are even paying the charities rates to get them in as the charities rates are less than rates on empty premises.

Normal market forces should dictate that if you have empty premises then you'd reduce the rent amount until you attract a business to take on the rent but landlords won't reduce their rents and are working around the rules designed to help the high street so they can try and maintain the rent levels in the longer term

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life cycle too says...
11:02pm Wed 5 Sep 12

If a percentage of profits were paid, charity shops would pay more - if they decided it was worth it, as would any other prestige business.

It would stir up the mix of businesses - imagine somewhere such as... K Village if some shops elected to relocate rather than pay more tax, while other businesses might feel they could afford the rent if they had less tax to pay.

It might lead some businesses to locate to areas where rent was lower.

I'm not a fan of the idea, I merely thought it worth airing the theory put forward by some!
I do think payment by results is a fair system!

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Lakeuk says...
11:46pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Don't think percentage of profit would work, businesses will increase costs to show less profit, i.e. bigger than usual bonus to business owner, overpaying of loans.

Next year the rates are being benchmarked, councils will be able to introduce ways of making more out the business rates with the excess being kept locally, rates relief is one area I think they need to look at. I doubt they will, bet they'll look to increase rates to businesses

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Kendmoor says...
9:03am Thu 6 Sep 12

slightly off subject, but K village could put some charity shops in their vacated spaces - would bring a bit a variety to their current splendedly dull selection of stores - AND you might be able to actually pick up a bargain in there. :O

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Milkbutnosugarplease says...
12:24pm Thu 6 Sep 12

I see in Bowness, Ambleside and in Kirby Lonsdale that gift shops are offering the same things to visitors. Something different such as this charity shop sounds like a boost rather than a threat, and surely it will add more life to a street than yet another estate agent's or office. If the snobs are upset, at least you haven't got Betfred or a pound shop moving in. Now that would be comical!

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luneyK9 says...
12:46pm Thu 6 Sep 12

I called in the new Save the Children shop when it opened and have since been in daily and always find a bargain. It's fantastic, the service is great and it's nice to see the prices aren't inflated. Everyone I've spoken to is delighted with the new shop it's just what Kirkby needs ....we certainly don't need any more gift or speciality shops.

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luneyK9 says...
4:44pm Thu 6 Sep 12

Lakeuk wrote:
I had to suffer this shop on the first day it opened, wandering round Kirkby Lonsdale a family member noticed the shop and looked around, resulting in me having to part with a small fortune, at least I wasn't spending it on parking.

Jesting aside it does look good from the outside and you don't realise it's a charity shop until inside - that may change once a sign goes up but I hope if they do that it's in keeping with the current look. I do think chain charity shops should pay full rates but that's a separate debate
yes I know where you're coming from regarding the temptation I must curtail my visits. BTW there is a sign up now and I think it looks quite smart.

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MR.TAMBOURINEMAN says...
5:04pm Thu 6 Sep 12

surely its better to have the shop spaces filled, even if it is with charity shops. I frequent many charity shops, both in the south lakes, and further afield. Some of the boutique stores in Manchester are fascinating places, and it strikes me that a town such as Kirkby Lonsdale could do with some of the same forward thinking and resourcefulness, that is unfortunately lacking in such places as Kirkby. Given the countries current recession and weak economic position, it amazes me why anybody would complain about this store, let alone on the premise of them being "shabby". Time for some liberal thinking on the behalf of Kirkby Lonsdale's resident Snobs and Nimbys I think!!

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wezzyk says...
8:56am Fri 7 Sep 12

They had better get used to it. charity shops ARE the in thing and will become more prominent. They were smelly unpleasant places but are now raising their game with tidy stores, well presented and carefully selected stock. Goods are offered at sensible prices and no sales gimmicks. There is an increasing demand, both social and cultural requirement for charity shops and the people of Kirkby Lonsdale need to accept this as it continues to develop. Currently: Charities have high numbers of staff that want to work for nothing more but enjoyment, items offered in shops are unavailable elsewhere / retro items / items of interest and collectables / necessity of buying goods from charity due to economy financial reasons / to actually support the charities cause!!! / to dispose of unwanted goods.

The high street / town should welcome charity shops and us the public should be ready for 'buying new' as being the second option. And chamber of trade should encourage businesses to take notice of how charities are excelling in selling.

Also does anyone know how many charity businesses are members of / represented / attend chamber of trade organisations?

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Kendmoor says...
3:30pm Fri 7 Sep 12

well, I don't know about sensible prices - most of the ones in kendal are still selling CD singles at either the same price or more expensive than when they first came out! How on earth they expect to shift ANY cds at the prices they charge when you can buy them all on ebay/amazon/play at 20p-£1 each, is beyond me.

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MDayxx says...
10:56am Sat 8 Sep 12

It is good to see such a healthy debate about this issue but I would just like to make one important point clear. The Town Council does not have a position on Charity Shops, indeed this issue has never been on its agenda.

Just because the Westmorland Gazette chooses to identify Mr Muirhead as the Chair of the Council does not mean he is speaking on behalf of the Council. Unless there is a resolution passed by the Town Council anything any councillor says on this or any other subject is merely a personal opinion.

If any member of the public wishes to make their views known on this, or any other matter, it would be good to see you at our monthly meetings.

Mark Day
Vice Chairman
Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council

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neetapeeta says...
11:33am Sat 8 Sep 12

I have visited the newly opened Save The Children shop and found it inspirational.The goods were reasonably price (cd's only £1 ) and of a very high standard.In this economic climate charity shops should be welcomed. People love a bargain and this is the place to find it also you never know who you may bump into in there....rock stars included.

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greencat58 says...
12:17pm Sat 8 Sep 12

Cracking shop and cause.Kirby Lonsdale should embrace the fact this shop will bring new business to the high street.I visited the shop opening week and spent over £100 in other premises.I would not have spent this money if I hadn't gone specifically to see the Save the Children shop.

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sensible66 says...
10:12pm Sat 8 Sep 12

How simply awful that the ever so good people of Kirkby Lonsdale should have to suffer the humiliation of a charity shop on their high street. So up their rear ends that they do not realise that it is reality, they are in most towns ~ get a life.

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greencat58 says...
8:34pm Mon 10 Sep 12

Just heard a local celebrity has dropped his entire wardrobe at the Save the Children shop in Kirkby Lonsdale.The shop is full of couture mens clothing. Kenzo.Versace.Ted Baker.Dior. Armani and much much more.

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snuggle-bunny says...
5:39pm Wed 12 Sep 12

think i'll register my buisness as a charity- no tax or rates. sorted

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snuggle-bunny says...
5:39pm Wed 12 Sep 12

think i'll register my buisness as a charity- no tax or rates. sorted

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snuggle-bunny says...
5:39pm Wed 12 Sep 12

think i'll register my buisness as a charity- no tax or rates. sorted

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