THAMES Hospice has announced it will be reopening many of its charity shops next week, including stores in Reading and Bracknell.

All 22 stores have been closed since March, in accordance with the UK government’s lockdown measures during the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in a loss of more than £800,000 of income for the Hospice.

There will be two phases to the reopening of the charity shops, with nine stores opening for business on Monday, June 15, and another nine opening on Monday, June 29.

The Bracknell, Caversham and Wokingham shops will be reopening on June 15 and the Binfield, Sandhurst, Crowthorne and Woodley shops will reopen on June 29.

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Julie Rowley, Director of Retail at Thames Hospice, said: “The Hospice's income from its retail operations has been hugely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, so we are thrilled to be able to open our doors once again.

"It will be wonderful to welcome back our staff and volunteers who are able to return to work and of course our wonderful customers.

“We have meticulous plans in place to ensure the safety of our customers and retail teams, including significant measures and new processes in order to receive and handle donations.”

A number of measures have been put in place to ensure the Hospice’s shops are safe for customers, staff and volunteers to return.

These include each store being deep cleaned and remerchanised, changing rooms remaining closed for the foreseeable future and customers being encouraged to pay by card.

There will also be comprehensive social distancing measures in place, including two metre floor markings, Perspex screens at the till area, provision of gloves for staff and volunteers as well as hand sanitisers.

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Shops reopening on June 15 will accept donations between 9.30am-12.30pm.

Each store will have its own guidelines for donating items safely and efficiently.

All donated stock will be quarantined for 72 hours before being placed on the shop floor for sale.

Thames Hospice relies on volunteer support to keep their shops open and running.

If you can volunteer for Thames Hospice, please register your interest at www.thameshospice.org.uk/retailtastersession.