The latest edition to the shopping scene in Kenilworth has opened this week, in the form of new charity shop, 'Pre-loved Emporium'

The Millar Court outlet is being run on behalf of the support charity, Samaritans by friends Katie Best and Melissa Humphreys.

Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Richard Dickson was on hand to cut the ribbon at an informal opening of the shop this morning (Wednesday, December 9), although the ladies did have a soft opening on Saturday, and opened for their first full day of business yesterday.

Pre-loved Emporium stocks a wide range of second hand clothes and goods, from high end fashion, to handmade baby blankets, from vintage antiques to men's suits – there is something for everybody.

Katie and Melissa first met in 2019 whilst volunteering at the Cancer Research UK shop in Kenilworth, and struck up an immediate friendship. Then during the first national lockdown, the duo decided that they were going to open their own charity shop somewhere in Kenilworth.

Having started their search for premises at the end of June they looked at five different lots before the Millar Court shop, formerly 'Bliss', became available.

They took the keys on November 1, and in just a month have transformed the shop, laying new flooring, putting up new wallpaper, taking out one of the changing rooms, and building a whole new storage area in the back of the shop.

Katie, who has worked in recruitment for much of her career, has been a volunteer for the Samaritans for over 20 years, so the charity is very close to her heart.

Melissa also stressed the importance of the work they do saying "we want to make as much money for the charity as possible.

"Especially after lockdown we know so many people who are struggling, and the work they do is amazing."

The Samaritans are well known for the work they do supporting people through mental and emotional hardship, and the issue of mental health is more relevant than ever given the two national lockdowns in 2020.

The cause for Pre-loved Emporium, as well as the work itself has been welcomed by Katie and Melissa.

"It has kept us positive right through lockdown," says Katie, "I've got my confidence back again."

Melissa added "This is a dream come true for me, I am the happiest I've ever been right now."

Pre-loved Emporium is not any regular charity shop however. The duo are trying to carve a new market for themselves, not just selling anything, but focusing on quality, and making "a place people want to go."

The shop is stocking a range of high-quality, recycled and upcycled second-hand wares, and hads already sold a £160 Mulberry bag amongst other things.

"We prefer to shop second hand really," says Melissa, "that's really important, we don't want to promote mass market fashion.

"And its things that you actually want to buy yourself.

"But we have things from 20p right up to £300, there is something here for everyone."

Recycling and upselling are important values throughout this enterprise. All of the fixtures, fittings, and furniture in the shop have been donated from various sources, and restored to make Pre-loved Emporium the fantastic space that is it now.

Speaking after the ribbon cutting this morning, Cllr Dickson said "people sometimes say that there are too many charity shops in Kenilworth, but you are offering something different, and are filling a gap within the town."

Katie added "Its what Kenilworth is all about, a real community, people want us to do well, and they want us to succeed."

This seems very evident, as the opening this morning was paused on several occasions to make sales and to accept donations.

So as Christmas fast approaches, why not head down to Millar Court and see if you can find that final present you have been looking for.

Pre-loved Emporium is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm.