Preston Emmaus charity launches new online store to continue supporting formerly homeless

The charity has had to close its three Preston shops as the country entered another lockdown but are determined to survive and continue their vital support for those previously homeless in Preston.

The Post has backed independent businesses closed by the Covid-19 pandemic with our #supportlocal campaign.

And despite the fact that physical shutters have come down on non-essential shops until at least December 2, neighbourhood stores and independent outlets such as Emmaus Preston are offering online sales and services in a bid to survive.

We urge shoppers to still spend on their doorstep, our clarion call following JPIMedia’s recent Big Conversation survey, confirming 71 per cent of our audience agree “the Christmas period will be a good opportunity to support local businesses”.

To help the Emmaus charity through an uncertain time that presents substantial financial risk, they have launched their brand new online store to continue their work in providing support to those who have experienced homelessness or social exclusion.

And local people will be able to continue to support the charity throughout the lockdown, so that Emmaus Preston can still provide a home, work, training and individual support.

Marc Bamber, Retail Operations Manager at Emmaus Preston, said: “Going online has multiple benefits for us here at Emmaus. It will help us get through the lockdown periods with some income still coming in, which we rely on to continue helping both the people in our community and the community around us.

"Most of all, it will help us give the knowledge and skills of E-Commerce and online sales to our companions, the formerly homeless people we support, so they can use these skills when they move on from Emmaus.”

The Emmaus Preston’s online store will stock a wide variety of pre-loved, up-cycled and vintage items at affordable prices, delivered directly to customers doors.

Due to the closure of its physical shops, Emmaus Preston cannot currently accept donations and is urging people to hold on to their items until staff have worked through their backlog.

The charity has a store on Fishergate and a megastore on Brookfield Street.

To visit Emmaus Preston’s new online shop, head to their website.

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