ThriftBoutique – The Cyrenians’ Charity Shop... with a Difference

Masterchef’s mod fashionista Stacie Stewart ‘does the honours’

The ThriftBoutique (5-7 Sidgate, Eldon Square) will today open its doors to the general public in Newcastle's Eldon Square.

The brainchild of a partnership between The Cyrenians and John Lewis Newcastle, the ThriftBoutique is a charity shop with a difference stocking a range of vintage clothes and accessories and will feature a number of unique pieces, including a one-off Victorian wedding dress.

Stephen Bell, Chief Executive of The Cyrenians, explained:

"ThriftBoutique is a new type of charity shop providing quality and style ‘with a twist’ at exceptional prices. As we all look to manage our money carefully in these times of ‘belt-tightening’ we’re expecting this will be a popular place for shoppers who are looking for great value for money."

John Lewis Newcastle has provided a range of support during the planning and set-up of the shop from guidance on layout through to donations of fixtures and fittings. Barry Blamire, Managing Director of John Lewis Newcastle, said:

"ThriftBoutique is a good example of how The Cyrenians find innovative ways of doing things. We’ve helped them to create a charity shop with a difference which, it is hoped, will provide income for their work, training and employment opportunities as well as great shopping.

"We’ve supported the work of The Cyrenians over many years now and I know our staff find our collaboration immensely rewarding."

The ‘ribbon cutting’ official launch will be carried out by Masterchef's Stacie Stewart whose love of fashion and in general and mod fashion, style, music and Lambretta's, is well known. Stacie said:

"I’m thrilled to have been asked to open the ThriftBoutique. This a really great shop which will give people the opportunity to experiment; it’s such fun creating new looks by mixing old with new – and here you can do it on a budget which is even better!"