2 weeks Ago
On this day in 2025, shoppers queued early at Middlebrook Retail Park for the opening of Regenerage, a luxury-style charity superstore selling designer brands like Armani and Vivienne Westwood at bargain prices. The store, formerly Age Concern Central Lancashire, is one of the UK’s largest independent charity shops. Bel Fry and Suzanne Carr (Image: Regenerage) Among the eager visitors was Melody Gibbons from Rochdale, who said: “It’s massive for a charity shop, and it’s so much busier than I expected.
"The organisation is good the way they have colour co-ordinated everything and usually the charity shops I go to are dinky little rooms, but I have never been to one this big before, and I’ve been to a lot of charity shops all over the country.” To mark the launch, the first 100 customers entered a £50 voucher raffle, while stilt walkers and free tote bags added to the excitement. Regenerage (Image: NQ) CEO Suzanne Carr, dressed in thrifted designer wear, said: “Today is absolutely amazing and it has exceeded our expectations.
“Going large at Middlebrook was a challenge but we had a vision, and we knew that we wanted to deliver the very best at what we do.” Alongside clothing, the store offers homeware, furniture, books , and even a bridal section. Glynis Baker (Image: NQ) Shopper Glynis Baker said: “I’ve got some wine glasses that I’ve been looking for, for a long time but managed to get them here.
“There are all these expensive dresses with good rates, you’re getting a bargain. “And if somebody was getting married, with the cost-of-living crisis, they’d save a lot of money and there’s something here for everyone, from bride, groom to the family.” To this day, Regenerage continues to run activity centres providing dementia support, fitness programs, and financial advice, reinforcing its mission beyond retail.
[ The Bolton News March, 20, 2024].
