Cancer Research UK superstore opens in Bristol 

Two new Cancer Research UK superstores officially opened their doors this week, as 500 shops also reopened to the public.

Leading cancer scientist Professor Richard Martin was on hand to cut the ribbon at a large-scale charity shop in Bristol’s Brislington Retail Park – which also includes a brand new coffee shop, Coffee Together. A new superstore in Newport – the largest Cancer Research UK outlet in Wales – was also unveiled on Wednesday 14 April. 

It’s hoped the new stores will play a role in the charity’s recovery from the loss of income from COVID-19, generating funds for life-saving research. 

“Every day, every pound counts, so I hope people in Bristol will support this new superstore so that we can help keep making discoveries.” – Josephine Mewett, head of retail operations at Cancer Research UK

‘To save lives tomorrow, we need the public’s support today’

The Bristol superstore will be stocked with everything from furniture to electrical items, clothing and soft furnishings – while Coffee Together will offer a range of barista hot drinks, sandwiches, salads and a selection of healthy snacks.

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Coffee Together at the Bristol superstore.

Strict health and safety measures will be followed in Bristol and Cancer Research UK shops across the UK to ensure customers can shop, volunteer can return and supporters can donate goods safely. 

Cancer Research UK shops typically contribute more than £25 million a year to our life-saving work to beat cancer.

“We support thousands of scientists and world-leading initiatives in all parts of the UK, all with the aim to improve the lives of people with cancer,” added Mewett. 

“But to save lives tomorrow, we need the public’s support today.”

As well as the two new superstores, 500 of the charity’s 600 shops have reopened this week, with the remaining Scottish shops set to reopen on Monday 26 April. A date has yet to be confirmed for the reopening on non-essential retail in Northern Ireland.

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As well as clothes, the Bristol superstore also sells gardening supplies, homeware and books. 

A safe environment

Cancer Research UK is accepting donated items as usual but recommends people call ahead to arrange a drop off time with their local store. The charity’s superstores are located in retail parks across the UK with plenty of parking and storage space to accept items set aside during lockdown clear-outs. 

The health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers, donors and customers is paramount and the charity is continuing to follow government guidelines across all our stores.  

This includes social distancing, controlled shopper numbers, hand sanitiser stations, cough guards at till points, face coverings for shop staff and volunteers, and additional cleaning. Fitting rooms will be closed until further notice and we encourage contactless payments. 

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Cancer Research UK’s staff and volunteers are looking forward to welcoming you to the new store.

Cancer Research UK is also encouraging anyone considering volunteering to pop into their local shop to make enquiries or check online if the shop needs extra help. Even an hour a week can make a difference.  

For more information visit Cancer Research UK’s ‘Ways to shop’ page or follow @CRUKshops on Twitter.