The spacious new store, covering more than 5,000 square feet, offers shoppers a bright, modern and inspiring destination packed with clothing, books, homeware, children’s toys and much more.
The Gateshead store reimagines your traditional charity shop, featuring colourful interiors and signage by local artist James Dixon from Lines Behind, bringing a vibrant splash of creativity to Gateshead’s high street. While the charity has operated a smaller shop on Jackson Street for many years, this new, larger store reflects St Oswald’s Hospice’s evolving retail vision – building on the success of their recently opened mega store in Blyth.
The shop also includes a designated donation hatch where people can drop off their pre-loved items, giving them the chance to be rehomed and enjoyed by others in the community.
North East charity, St Oswald’s Hospice – who provide free care to local babies, children and adults with life limiting conditions – are among many charities increasingly relying on their retail operations as a sustainable source of income.
Andrew Moir, Head of Retail at St Oswald’s Hospice says investing wisely in new charity shops and retail ventures is vital:
“Charity shops are changing. We need to be brave and bold with our new stores to encourage people through the door. Investing in larger units in key areas means we can store more donations, sell more items, and ultimately raise more money for St Oswald’s Hospice.
“With the ongoing redevelopment of Gateshead town centre, particularly around Trinity Square, we’re thrilled to be opening this new store during such an exciting chapter in the town’s history. As a Gateshead resident myself, I’m proud that this shop will offer locals an affordable shopping destination, a volunteering opportunity and a real hub for the community.”
The shop was opened on Friday 21st November by Anita Ball, Director of Income and Marketing at St Oswald’s Hospice, Mark Ferguson, Labour MP for Gateshead Central and Whickham and 26-year-old Gateshead local, Nick Cornwell.
Upon opening the new store Labour MP, Mark Ferguson said:
“As the local MP it’s really important to me that Gateshead town centre is filled with amazing organisations. St Oswald’s Hospice has been an important part of Gateshead town centre for the last 20 years. This is a brilliant new store, I can’t wait for people to get inside and have a look at it.”
Cutting the ribbon and marking the shop as officially ‘open’ was Nick, who lives with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Nick has been having regular short breaks at the Children and Young Adults Service at St Oswald’s Hospice since 2019. In 2026, the Hospice will launch a new Young Adults accommodation – a dedicated facility designed specifically for people aged 18 and over with life-limiting conditions, providing a safe, supportive environment where they can gain greater independence.
Nick’s mum, Melanie Cornwell, says she is ‘so grateful’ for the Hospice’s support over the past 6 years:
“Nick really enjoys his stays, and for us, it’s two days each month when we can take a planned break and relax, knowing that Nick is happy and in a lovely environment, cared for by a wonderful team of people who know him so well.”
Nick added:
“I really enjoy my stays with the amazing, fun staff at the Hospice and love the bonkers activities and trips out they organise. I’m very excited about the new Young Adults Service Accommodation and the difference it will make for me and my friends who stay there.”
Talking about the shop opening Melanie said:
“The new shop was lovely – bright, packed full of all kinds of items and most importantly, easily accessible. We bought some fabulous Christmas cards and Nicholas got his eye immediately on a large Disney Story Advent Calendar!”
Nick really enjoyed his important role opening the shop and has even offered to volunteer in store to keep up with how the team are getting on.
Anita Ball, Director of Income and Marketing St Oswald’s Hospice adds:
“From staff and volunteers to customers and donors, everyone who spends time in our newest shop is helping to raise essential funds for the Hospice. Their support ensures that thousands of people and families across the North East – including those from Gateshead, like Nick’s – can receive outstanding and compassionate care, free of charge.”
The Gateshead shop is located on West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HR and is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am - 4.30pm and Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
