Charity Shops in Preston

Rediscovering Charity Shops in Preston: Emmaus Preston & Shelter Preston

Why Charity Shops Matter in Preston

Charity shops do more than recycle goods, they build connections. In Preston, these shops create affordable options for residents while funding local causes. When you drop in to browse or donate, you’re contributing to something bigger than a retail purchase. Among the many in Preston, Emmaus Preston and the Shelter Preston are key names. These two not only offer interesting stock, but also have a deeper community mission. Below, we examine what they do, how they differ, and why they are worth a visit.

Emmaus Preston: A Hub for Reuse and Social Mission

Emmaus Preston runs a large department store in the Fishergate Shopping Centre. It occupies the former Debenhams site, refurbished to serve as an expansive charity outlet. This space brings together what used to be several smaller outlets under one roof. It stocks furniture, homeware, electrical items, clothes, books, and more, both new and pre-loved.

Mission and Impact

All profits from sales go directly into supporting people who have experienced homelessness, helping them with housing, training, and work opportunities. In one move, Emmaus Preston has made its operations more visible and efficient by consolidating its offerings in a prominent place in the city centre.

Shelter Preston

Shelter’s Preston furniture shop is in Fishergate Shopping Centre. This shop specialises in furniture, electrical goods, clothing, books, and more. They welcome donated items in good condition, furniture, books, clothes, and smaller electrical items. They do not accept damaged furniture, white goods, or items without safety labels. They offer a free collection service for furniture donations in Preston, removing a barrier for donors. The funds raised through the Preston Shelter shop help support housing and advice services, particularly for individuals with housing challenges. By operating a store rather than just a fundraising office, Shelter offers a tangible way for people to contribute through goods, time or choice.

Shop Hours & Access

Typically open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (weekdays and Saturdays), and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Wheelchair access is available, and there is parking at Fishergate Shopping Centre to support drop-offs.

How These Charity Shops Benefit Preston

Charity shops generate local jobs and volunteer roles. More footfall in Fishergate Shopping Centre also helps adjacent retailers. Every item resold extends its life and reduces waste. For shoppers, it’s a chance to own quality items at lower cost. These shops provide space where local people can interact, contribute, and see the positive outcome of their support. Seeing a piece you donated go home with someone else brings a sense of connection.

Central Shopping Centre Presence

Having Emmaus and Shelter inside the shopping centre ensures they remain visible. This helps attract spontaneous visits from general shoppers who might not otherwise seek out a charity shop.

• Is there a difference between Emmaus Preston’s Fishergate store and its megastore?
  Emmaus recently consolidated several stores into one department store in the former Debenhams building, bringing more variety in one place.

• Will shopping at these places really help people.

Yes, profits fund housing, training and support programmes for people recovering from homelessness. 

Conclusion & Next Step

Emmaus Preston and Shelter Preston stand out among Preston’s charity shops, not just for what they sell, but also for the stories they support. They offer a chance to shop sustainably, donate without hassle, and contribute to social change in Preston. To explore more, visit the Fishergate Shopping Centre Website.