A click and collect service has been launched by RSPCA Isle of Wight at its Sandown charity shop, with the aid of the shop’s popular Facebook page.
Customers can now request items via the Facebook Page with staff then arranging a convenient time for goods to be collected in a COVID-secure manner.
The virtual shop window is regularly refreshed with new stock so people can safely browse and request goods online from the comfort of their own home.
Shop manager Denise Carroll said:
“Customers were contacting us to say they were missing their shopping fix during lockdown – particularly puzzles, games and books which are essential to some of our friends to support their mental health and to pass the time while at home.
“We already had a Facebook page to share general news about the shop and the work of the RSPCA, so we decided to post pictures of interesting items and invite people to comment or message us if they were interested in buying it.
“We’ve had great feedback from customers who are pleased to be able to e-shop locally and support animals on the Isle of Wight.”
The shop’s stock includes puzzles, jigsaws, books, clothing, handbags and electrical goods – all of which are proving popular with local shoppers.
RSPCA Isle of Wight is planning to re-open its 4 charity shops on 12th April, when restrictions are lifted. The charity looks after a whole range of animals from their centre near Godshill.
The lack of income from the shops during lockdown has presented a huge challenge to RSPCA IOW which relies on donations and income from its charity shops to carry out its important animal welfare work.
Suzanne Pugh, RSPCA IW Branch Manager, said:
“We’re really pleased that staff and volunteers at our Sandown store have been able to provide a click-and-collect service for their loyal local community of supporters, working within the government guidelines. Every penny we receive goes towards helping vulnerable animals and we are extremely grateful for people’s support during what is a difficult time for everyone.”
The Sandown shop’s Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/rspcasandown.
Cluck? Surely it’s meant to be click?
Shame they don’t have a facility to drop off charity items as with the shops shut the staff would have plenty of time to sort it and let it stand for however many days they need to now. It would also allow the staff to keep working.