More than shopping, it’s a vibe – Chartham Furniture, Fashion & Home opening soon
Photograph: Ros Bray, volunteer, with Andy Brady, Shop Manager
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce the opening of its exciting new Chartham Furniture, Fashion & Home store on Thursday 12 February 2026, bringing a fresh, feel-good shopping destination to the heart of the community.
This is not a clearance warehouse — it’s a beautifully curated, pre-loved shopping experience packed with hundreds of high street brands, stylish finds and creative treasures, all under one roof.
After the closure of our much-loved shop at the local garden centre, supporters told us loud and clear that they missed having a place nearby to shop sustainably. Thanks to your generosity, that much-loved experience is back — and better than ever.
Fashion for everyone
Shoppers can browse an inspiring range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s clothing, with quality brands, great styles and excellent value. Whether you’re hunting for everyday essentials, a statement piece or a bargain with a story behind it, there’s something waiting to be discovered.
A new creative hub
By popular demand, the new store also features a haberdashery and creative department, perfect for crafters, up-cyclers, sewists and anyone who loves making something special from something pre-loved. Expect buttons, fabrics, patterns and hidden gems — the kind of place that sparks ideas and Instagram-worthy finds.
The fashion and home store sits alongside the much-loved Chartham Furniture Warehouse, making it easy to browse everything from clothing and accessories to homewares and furniture in one inspiring visit.
With plenty of parking and a warm, friendly team of volunteers ready to help, it’s designed to be relaxed, welcoming and fun — a place to wander, discover and feel good about every purchase.
All items are donated by Pilgrims supporters, giving quality clothing and homeware a second life while raising vital funds for hospice care across east Kent. By choosing pre-loved, shoppers are saving money, reducing waste and supporting local families — triple win shopping at its best.
At the heart of it: Volunteers like Ros
Ros
Ros Bray from Bridge has volunteered with Pilgrims Hospices’ retail team for 12 years, after first spotting a volunteers’ needed notice while visiting the furniture shop with a friend.
“I came along to meet the team — and the rest is history,” Ros smiles. “I’ve loved every minute.”
After retiring as a teaching assistant and nursery nurse, Ros wanted to give her time to a meaningful cause. “Retail volunteering fits really well with my background. I love working with people, helping customers, and I enjoy being part of such a friendly, welcoming team.”
Shop Manager, Andy Brady, said:
“We love having Ros with us. She’s organised, calm in busy situations and brings real warmth to the shop. I have a team of around 25 staff and volunteers, every one one of them is truly a valued member of my team.”
Ros volunteers three mornings a week, balancing family life and time with her grandchildren. “I enjoy helping raise funds for such important, compassionate care in our community. It’s important everyone has something that’s just for them.”
The new shop, accessible through the existing furniture store or a brand-new side entrance, is a space Ros says “is going to look amazing — shoppers will love it.”
We’d love you to join us to celebrate the official opening of Chartham Furniture, Fashion and Home on Thursday 12 February 2026, when we’ll be welcoming special guests and supporters to help mark this exciting new chapter.
Mandy Hawkett, Area Manager, said:
“The Pilgrims concession in the garden centre was a massive loss for us and the community, so we’re absolutely thrilled to be creating a new home for the amazing donations we receive from our supporters. This isn’t just a warehouse — it’s a vibrant, inspiring place to shop. We’ve listened to what people want, from great fashion to creative spaces, and we’re excited to bring something truly special back to the community.”
The store will be open for shopping and donations Monday to Saturday, 9am–4pm:
Address: Unit 2/3 Stour Business Park, Chartham CT14 7HF
“There’s a real buzz already. The quality of children’s clothing especially is incredible — great brands, great condition and great styles. People are always amazed by what they find here, and knowing it supports local hospice care makes every bargain even better.”
Chartham Furniture, Fashion & Home is the newest addition to Pilgrims Hospices’ family of shops across east Kent, all offering an easy, enjoyable way to shop more sustainably while supporting compassionate end-of-life care.
Don’t forget — you can also donate your pre-loved items directly at the Chartham store; and if you’re a taxpayer, Gift Aid adds an extra 25% to the value of your donation at no extra cost, helping your generosity go even further.
Come along, say hello, enjoy a bargain — and help us celebrate this wonderful new community space.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
3rd August 2022
Store50 brings second-hand, chic and eco-friendly fashion to Canterbury
Store50 is Pilgrims Hospices’ newest shop, located at 50 St. Peter’s Street, Canterbury, in the heart of the city on its bustling high street.
By nature, charity shops are known for stocking preloved goods; Store50 is taking that a step further, aiming to make second-hand fashion affordable, chic and eco-friendly at the same time.
Opening on 4 August 2022, it will stock a diverse range of clothing for all, with a focus on “slow fashion” – an approach to producing clothing that advocates respect for people and the environment, often through reducing, reusing and recycling, rather than buying new items.
The shop will particularly appeal to Canterbury’s thriving student population, who will find trendy threads to suit their wardrobes and their budgets.
Store50 also features a dedicated denim section upstairs, a chill out area and vinyl record room downstairs, and a community board where people can leave messages about local news, events and business.
Mandy Hawkett, Pilgrims Retail Area Manager shared: “We’ve been really keen to get this initiative off the ground for some time now, and have been searching for a suitable shop. We are delighted to have secured Store50. The team has pulled together fresh ideas with innovative and creative planning to give the shop something extraordinary for shoppers to enjoy. It looks like high end fashion with all the qualities of sustainability and so much more. We are also offering students a 10% discount, so it really is worth paying us a visit.”
Amy Eldridge, Shop Manager, said: “We’re so excited to be launching this brand new charity shop for the quirky and diverse Canterbury community. We hope that by encouraging shoppers to thrift and be mindful about their purchases, we can help to build a more sustainable retail economy that benefits people and our planet. By shopping with us, you will help to stop items going to landfill, save precious pennies, and also contribute to Pilgrims’ vital services across east Kent – supporting our charity to provide compassionate care to patients and families where and when they need it the most.”
Emily Bartlett and Demi Hale, Supervisors, added: “It’s a re-envisioning of a charity shop, set apart from the mainstream and what people are used to. We hope it will be popular across different age groups, not just students – it’s perfect for the everyday shopper, too!”
Store50 is open 10:00-18:00 Monday-Saturday and 10:00-16:00 on Sundays.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
31st July 2019
Pilgrims new shop to join the regeneration of Margate High Street
98 – 102 High Street Margate is set to become the latest addition to Pilgrims Hospices portfolio of shops. Opening soon, the shop is currently undergoing refurbishment before it takes on a new, modern, fashionable look. The store, which anticipates opening in August, will be brimming with furniture, bric a brac and clothing.
Amongst the many reasons for supporting your local high street; doing a little retail therapy in your local hospice charity shop will be helping people who need important care in the local area.
Work in progress at the Margate High Street shop
Mandy Hawkett, Pilgrims Retail Area Manager, explained: “The new store will offer a wide variety of pre-loved goods right in the very heart of the High Street, in Margate. The clothing price points will be £5 or less, therefore there are plenty of good reasons to pop along and snap up a trendy bargain.”
Charlee Piper, Pilgrims Shop Manager, said: “The Margate High Street and surrounding area is experiencing a rebirth of sorts, with many of the empty shops being used as art spaces or for new local businesses. We’re excited to be part of that revitalisation.
We will offer a wide variety of pre-loved items, right in the heart of the High Street.
Mandy Hawkett – Pilgrims Retail
“In recent years there has been an influx of young people in their 20’s and 30’s from as far as London. People are keen to up-cycle goods and have such creative ideas to breathe new life into pre-loved goods while maintaining a low carbon footprint and supporting all things local.
“My team are looking forward to a grand opening. We will also be recruiting additional volunteers for the new venture, so keep an eye on the shop window and the Pilgrims website if you would like to become part of our team.”
Opening hours will be:
9 am – 5 pm Monday to Saturday
10 am – 4 pm on Sunday
Find a full list of Pilgrims shops in your area here or take a peek on Instagram.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
