WALES Air Ambulance will be opening the doors to its new Bangor charity shop on Monday (August 14).

The new shop, located in The Menai Centre, has a larger floor space, and will offer customers an improved shopping experience.

Up until last month, the Bangor retail store was based on High Street, but closed in preparation for the relocation.

Amanda Hilton remains the Bangor shop manager, and a new assistant manager has been recruited as part of the move.

Volunteering opportunities are also available in the shop and further details can be found by visiting www.walesairambulance.com/volunteer.

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Amanda said: “This is such an exciting time for our charity. I am looking forward to the move, along with the assistant manager and all of our volunteers.

“The new shop location has increased floor space and will accommodate large and small items that have been generously donated by the public.

“We can’t wait to start the new chapter at the Menai Centre. We encourage people to come to the shop on August 14 and say hello as a warm welcome is waiting.” 

In 2021, the charity spent time developing a new strategy, which was influenced by feedback from employees, supporters, and volunteers.

Part of that strategy is the new “Retail Blueprint”, which aims to strike the right balance between generating income for its lifesaving service and enhancing the charity’s community presence.

Rob Coles, head of retail for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We have had a presence in Bangor for several years and we are passionate about our connection to the city.

“The opportunity presented itself to improve the shopping experience for our supporters and the working environment for our employees and volunteers.

“The Menai Centre is a popular location and feedback from retailers based there indicates that footfall is high and trade is positive.”

The new shop will officially open at 9.30am and the mayor of Bangor, councillor Elin Walker Jones, will be attending during the morning.

Wales Air Ambulance relies on public donations to raise the £11.2million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The Menai Centre has been taken over by Bearmont Capital, which has been working closely with Wales Air Ambulance to ensure the relocation provides the best for the charity and its shoppers.

Rob Lloyd, chief executive of Bearmont Capital, said: "We are delighted to welcome Wales Air Ambulance to the Menai Centre.

“Since acquiring the shopping centre, our focus has been on attracting new tenants, whilst exploring new ideas to make the shopping experience more appealing for the local community and visitors alike.

“The placement of the charity shop in this location fills us with confidence that it will increase footfall to the high street, bringing employment opportunities and a new lease of life to a unit that has never been occupied."