Exeter children’s charity shop celebrates grand reopening

Jelly, a charity shop in Exeter selling low cost, preloved children’s clothes, toys and books, has celebrated its grand reopening after refurbishment.

Part of local charity, Exeter Community Initiatives, the Jelly shop was officially opened by Jelly Bear.  The fun packed day included a set from Exeter-based singer, Hannah Ruby, goodie bags for the first 50 customers, face painting, cakes and a giant raffle! Prizes included craft kits, panto tickets, cinema tickets, a voucher for an Exeter City FC child’s full strip, a meal for two, books, tickets to Exeter’s Underground Passages and a kid’s bike!

Located in Fore Street, Jelly first opened its door in 2015 and is run by paid staff and a team of amazing volunteers.

Over the years, Jelly has amassed a loyal customer base in Exeter and beyond as the go-to shop for friendly customer service and preloved, low-cost clothes, toys and books, which is more important now than ever with the cost-of-living crisis impacting local families.

The shop also offers volunteering opportunities to people, many of whom are looking to build confidence and gain valuable retail skills to help get back into employment.

ECI Chief Executive, Steven Chown, said: “It’s been an amazing day!  It was wonderful to welcome back our customers, staff and volunteers who we’ve missed during the refurbishment.  Jelly’s had a much-needed makeover.  We’ve now got a dedicated baby feed, changing and rest area and it’s a bright and welcoming environment for our customers - big and small! My thanks goes out to staff, volunteers and the many local businesses who have given their time, money or resources to make this refurbishment happen – we couldn’t have done it without you!”

ECI would like to thank the following local businesses for their support during the refurbishment and grand opening: Brewers Decorator Centre, Konker Recruitment, Bunyip, Exeter Picture House, Leaf Street Bookbag, Exeter Corn Exchange Exeter City Council, Fab Lab, Persimmon Homes, Magic Carpet, The Fat Pig, Exeter City Supporters’ Trust and CoCreate.