West Sussex charity opens tenth charity shop, expanding its offering in Worthing as it celebrates 40 years
A West Sussex charity is opening its first charity shop for two years, expanding its offering in Worthing and bringing the total number to ten.
The Cat & Rabbit Rescue Centre in Sidlesham is celebrating 40 years of helping sick, injured, abandoned and unwanted pets, having been started in 1986.
Paul Ralph-Lightfoot, head of retail, said: "The previous shop to open was Rustington, which has been very successful, with ladies' clothing, handbags and footwear, as well as bric-a-brac.
"Our strategy is to be more boutiquey. It has the feel of a clothes shop but it is for charity. People still like to go out and about, and it is an experience.
"Staff is the most important thing. I want to make sure donations are looked after in the right way. We have got a good team and people will get a warm welcome here."
The charity already has a shop in South Street, Worthing, and will be opening the new shop at 27 Goring Road, West Worthing, on Friday, February 6, at 9.30am.
There will also be a donation drop-off day on Thursday, February 5, at 10am.
Paul said: "We really need good-quality clothes, shoes and handbags. We are taking other things like books and sorting them for the other shops.
"This is our first shop in two years. We are the only animal charity shop here. There has been quite a lot of interest, people tend to support the charities that mean something to them."
A new flexible railing system has been installed, where clothing for men and women is displayed by sizes.
Paul said: "This is the first time we have used this system. It is totally flexible for the team. It is really important for us because this is a small shop and we want to make the best use of the space."