Emmaus charity store to open at Preston Debenhams
The social enterprise will open at the long-vacant 120,000 sq ft department store unit within Fishergate Shopping Centre this week.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held this Friday, 14 March at 10:45am on what will be a new flagship store for the Emmaus charity.
The store is billed by Emmaus as a sustainable social enterprise, raising funds to help people achieve their goals after homelessness.
Emmaus said the store will offer a “world of new and nearly-new kitchen appliances, bedroom furniture sets, sofas, toys, pre-loved home decor and electricals. There will be plenty of vintage and retro vibes in our range of pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories.”
Emmaus’ arrival will bring increased footfall once again to what had, as with other Debenhams locations, been a staple of the local retail scene before the group’s descent into administration and eventual closure.
Other stores in the region have been picked up by retailers including The Range and TJ Hughes, while BAE Systems and indoor activity group Gravity have been among other takers.
The long-term future of the Fishergate complex as a whole is uncertain. Plans were floated in 2024 for Station East, a major commercial development on the Fishergate car park site, with a possible 530,000 sq ft of offices and other development at a location boasting excellent mainline railway access.
Martin Property Group bought the complex for £8m in 2021.
A giant charity shop is unlikely to drive much footfall. Are they going to add a mega barbers shop and vape shop?
By Dom