Uppingham Road let to national charity Age UK

RETAIL premises at 257 Uppingham Road in Leicester have been let to Age UK

The charity shop, which was formerly occupied by an electrical retailer, replaces the charity’s previous outlet on the same road.

Tony Donovan, executive director of Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland, said the decision to relocate appeared to be paying off.

“He added: “The lease on our other store was coming to an end and we wanted to retain a presence in Uppingham Road.

“The new store is in a better location as it’s more central and gets more passing foot traffic.  We’ve only been open a few weeks but already we’re attracting more customers than we did at our previous location.

“Charity shops can suffer during a recession as people donate fewer items but this branch has got off to a good start and we’re hoping interest in it continues. 

“We’ve fitted it out to meet our needs and are confident of making a return. We’ve let property through Innes England before and as ever the service was great.”

The charity, which works on behalf of older, vulnerable people, offers an array of information, advice and support services.  It has 23 shops across Leicestershire and Rutland and is always on the lookout for more volunteers.

Its new Uppingham Road shop, like its other stores, employs a manager and two deputies who are assisted by a team of around 12 to 15 voluntary staff.

Steve Scott of Innes England in Leicester added: “We’re pleased to have been able to assist Age UK again in its opening of another retail outlet.

“This store occupies a prominent position in a popular and established retail area on Uppingham Road.”