Our fourth and final shop for this year opened in our home county of Hertfordshire today, Friday 4 September and we were honoured to be joined by Hemel Hempstead resident Emma Young, who had a Special Day last October. Emma cut the ribbon alongside Chief Executive David White and the shop staff and volunteers in front of a queue of customers eager to find a bargain.
The shop is situated in the town centre at 222 The Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1BJ and will be open six days a week from today, selling pre-loved clothing, books, toys and bric-a-brac.
Every penny raised through sales in the shop will help Willow fulfil many more unforgettable Special Days, like Emma’s.
Emma (pictured), is living with incurable cancer. Aged just 37 and with three young children, creating precious family memories is of paramount importance.
Willow helped Emma tick an experience off her bucket list with a family trip to London including theatre tickets to see Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and dinner.
“Willow organised a day out for me and my family, they thought of everything to make our day extra special. I really just wanted the children to have a treat, a day they wouldn’t forget. They’ve been so brave. I kept it a surprise from them but I couldn’t wait for the day. A trip to Hamleys, their first theatre experience and a delicious meal. It was definitely a day they’ll never forget. I couldn’t have given them a day like this without Willow’s help – it was so much more than I ever expected,” said Emma after her Willow Special Day.
Willow’s first shop is in Welwyn Garden City, it was opened in February, Barnet opened in June and Stevenage in July – all shops have already proved popular with shoppers looking for high-quality used goods at bargain prices.