Emmaus opens shop in Battle High Street

Emmaus Hastings and Rother’s store is based in the High Street and specialises in restored furniture and vintage household items.

While the main St Leonards shop in Whitworth Road will continue to sell large furniture, household goods, electrical appliances, clothing and bric a brac, the charity said its new Battle store will offer a premium range of occasional furniture, home furnishings and collectibles.

Many of the items have been restored and upcycled by volunteers and the charity’s residents.

David Cooper, chairman of trustees, said: “We’ve been looking for a second shop for more than a year. Our preferred location has always been Battle and we’re very pleased to have found this shop, which is ideal for our purpose. Even in the first few days we’ve been encouraged by the interest people have shown in what Emmaus is about.

“The feedback we’ve had from shoppers is the emphasis on furniture and collectibles is exactly what Battle needs.”

Emmaus provides a home and work to previously homeless and socially excluded people, giving them the time, space and support to rebuild their lives. There are currently 25 communities spread across the UK from Dover to Glasgow providing a home and work for more than 600 people.

Zach Hurst, community leader, said: “As we’re helping people in the Rother area as well as Hastings, it’s nice to have a presence here.

“The shop is staffed from the community so the people shoppers meet on the till are the ones they’re helping.

“Having the second shop will enable us to help more people in future, at a time when budgets are being cut back in the homelessness sector and the need is greater than ever.”

The new Emmaus shop is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, at 12-13 Battle High Street, next to Costa Coffee, and can be contacted on 01424 755111.

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