Clothing store opens its doors for residents to enjoy some evening shopping
A CLOTHING store is opening its doors to residents at one of Muir’s sheltered housing schemes.
Bonmarche in Huntingdon has been welcoming the scheme’s residents after hours to give them the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing shopping trip.
Residents of McCartney House in nearby Godmanchester say they often find it difficult to use wheelchairs and walking frames when the shops are busy and struggle to do things at their own pace.
But they are delighted with Bonmarche’s response having taken advantage of the high-street store’s offer.
Bette George, a resident at McCartney House which provides accommodation for the over 60s said: “It is lovely for the shop to stay open a little later for us.
“You can go around at your own pace which is difficult to do when it is crowded.
“Staff at the shop wanted to help us and made sure there is lots of space for wheelchairs.
“We can relax while we shop now and I am grateful for the cup of tea too,” she added.
Bette, who has lived at McCartney House for ten years, was joined by several other residents during the early evening trip with transport arranged by Muir Group Housing Association via the Dial-a-Ride service.
“It is nice to be out with my friends,” she said.
Elaine Emery, store manager at the Bonmarche shop says the business is pleased to offer a helping hand to the residents.
“They like to get out and about to shop for clothes but aren’t always able to,” Elaine said.
“To cater for a specific group is easy for us and the resident are welcome to come.
“Sometimes we visit the residents at McCartney House and have clothes modelling events which can be a bit of fun.
“But to open an hour or two later and provide this service to the supported living schemes nearby means a lot and makes their shopping trip a lot easier for residents.”
Jackie Vickery, sheltered scheme manager at McCartney House, accompanied residents on the trip.
She said: “Some residents need help to get out and about.
“This way they can take their time and look at things properly and try things on at their own pace.
“They get to go shopping with their friends which is important because family aren’t always able to take them.
“At McCartney House we try to run as many trips for residents as we can and we'd like to thank Bonmarche for helping to make this happen."