Last night (Thursday February 21st) TV star Anthea Turner opened the latest designer pop up store, ‘1869 Action for Children’, at intu Watford shopping centre.
Taken from the year the charity was founded, 1869 is not your average charity shop. Rather than second hand clothes it will be stocking brand new, sample or store seconds items from retailers including Hobbs, Phase 8 and Damsel in a Dress. The specially designed space within intu Watford will reflect the charity’s heritage as Action for Children celebrates its 150th birthday this year.
TV presenter and 1869 Action for Children retail ambassador Anthea Turner says: ‘It was so exciting to come along to Watford and see all the amazing clothes for sale in the latest 1869 pop up. It’s so important to me not only because the money raised goes to a charity I have supported for many years. But also that this recycling of fashion items which may otherwise end up in landfill is such an incredible thing to do for our environment - anything we can do to stop that damaging cycle is amazing.’
Anthea also received a cheque for £6000 from local businessman Simon Boi who raised funds for the charity last year through sales of a limited edition t-shirt. Simon, founder of online retailer Dadmin (www.dadminstore.com) said: ‘It was great to team up with Action for Children last year and having seen and heard about the work this amazing charity does with children, young people and families from all backgrounds I know just what a difference this money will make to hundreds of children across the UK.’
This is only the second ever pop up from the brand following a successful launch in Norwich last year where over £19,000 was raised for children across the UK in just four weeks.
Lisa Nicholson, Senior Retail and Partnerships Manager at Action for Children says: ‘We’re so excited to be bringing the 1869 experience to Watford. Every single purchase will go towards helping vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the UK, often in desperate situations.’
Vicki Costello, general manager at intu Watford said, “We are thrilled that the 1869 Action for Children shop is now open at intu Watford. It’s a fantastic concept and the opening night could not have been more successful. We have no doubt that our shoppers will love the new store and we look forward to supporting them throughout their time with us. Make sure you stop by and have a browse on your next visit.”
1869 will also be hosting a series of fun events – from clothes upcycling classes to fashion shows – throughout February and March. All profits from the store will go towards helping vulnerable children across the UK and will be staffed completely by volunteers. Local services run by Action for Children include West Hyde, a short breaks disability service based in Rickmansworth. The team at West Hyde provide residential care for young people with learning disabilities and complex health needs allowing parents and families an often much needed break.
Based at intu Watford the shop will be open during normal retail hours.
