Customers are queueing up before 9am to get into a bargain superstore selling cut-price homeware goods, furniture clothes and toys. The bargain emporium, which opened in Solihull in September, is spread across 7,000 square feet, and has a network of sorting rooms, product testing areas and even its own DIY workshop to “handle high demand from shoppers.”
The store, run by Acorns Children’s Hospice, is based in Chelmsley Wood Shopping centre and netted £6,500 on its opening day – an incredible success for a charity shop. It is the second Acorns shop in Chelmsley Wood, meaning the charity is doubling its presence in the area to raise vital funds and offer the community good quality bargains.
The ‘retail-park style’ store is bigger than the existing one in Chelmsley Wood, with Acorns hailing it as their “biggest yet” in the area, and three months on from opening their doors, shop bosses have told BirminghamLive of the huge impact that “thriving” sales will make.
READ MORE: The story of Chelmsley Wood – the neighbourhood that began life as ‘overspill’ town
We are now on WhatsApp. Join our dedicated community here
Staff said items sold in “minutes”, particularly products like sofas and homeware goods. An Acorn spokesperson said: “Specialising in furniture and homeware, the superstore offers an impressive range of items – from complete sofa sets and electric beds to tumble dryers and oak dining room tables.
“It’s the kind of place where you could furnish an entire house in just one visit. Best of all, shoppers are scoring incredible deals thanks to the store’s budget-friendly prices, making it a must-visit destination for bargain hunters looking to support the vital care of children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
Inside Acorns Children’s Hospice superstore based in Chelmsley Wood Shopping centre. The shop opened in September 2024
(Image: Acorns)
“Making an incredible £6,500 on its opening day, the Chelmsley Wood shop has become Acorns’ most successful launch to date. With over £2 million of the charity’s annual funding coming from its retail operation, it is poised to make a significant impact. It’s no surprise the shop is thriving.
“Designed with extra logistics, it features a dedicated team of drivers for home furniture deliveries and collections, a donation station, and its own dock to handle large items with ease.” Teams will also refurbish ‘beautiful’ items to make strong profits for the charity.
Most recently, a donated old-fashioned pram was reconditioned in the store and sold for £100, and items in window displays can sell out in minutes. Deputy store manager Alina Murea said: “A couple of weeks ago, I styled this gorgeous sofa for the window display, making it look like a cosy living room.
“Within ten minutes, it was sold. I couldn’t believe it. I think the longest we’ve had an item of furniture on the shop floor is two weeks.” Adding: “With our drivers making collections every day, it’s the kind of place you need to visit daily to snag a bargain – you’ll see one thing one day and something completely different the next – and people do!
Inside Acorns Children’s Hospice superstore based in Chelmsley Wood Shopping centre. The shop opened in September 2024 and has queues out the door before opening
(Image: Acorns)
“We have customers waiting at the door at 9am. It’s incredible.” The store also has a ‘Not New, Not Perfect’ campaign offering minorly flawed clothing items – like pieces with small stains or tiny holes – at heavily reduced prices.
“Sometimes, I can’t even tell what the ‘not perfect’ part is on the item of clothing” said Alina. “With prices like 50p for a gorgeous children’s jacket, it’s no wonder the campaign is so popular. I’ve even bought loads myself.
“One of the joys of working in our shops is uncovering hidden treasures and seeing the excitement they bring to shoppers. On top of that, knowing that every item sold, and every hour worked directly contributes to providing more support for the children and families we care for makes this job truly fulfilling.”
Proceeds from the store go directly to Acorns Children’s Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from donations and fundraising.