Published: 10 August 2023

The lifesaving charity is delighted to announce it will be opening the doors to its new Bangor charity shop on Monday 14 August 2023.

The new shop, located in The Menai Centre, has a larger floor space, and will offer customers an improved shopping experience.

Up until last month, the Bangor retail store was based on the High Street but closed in preparation for the relocation.

Amanda Hilton remains the Bangor Shop Manager and a new assistant manager has been recruited as part of the move. Volunteering opportunities are also available in the shop and further details can be found by visiting www.walesairambulance.com/volunteer.

Amanda said everyone was excited about the opening of the new shop.

She said: “This is such an exciting time for our Charity. I am looking forward to the move, along with the assistant manager and all of our volunteers.

“The new shop location has increased floor space and will accommodate large and small items that have been generously donated by the public.

“We can’t wait to start the new chapter at the Menai Centre. We encourage people to come to the shop on 14 August and say hello as a warm welcome is waiting.”  

In 2021, the Charity spent time developing a new strategy, which was influenced by feedback from employees, supporters, and volunteers. Part of that strategy is the new Retail Blueprint, which aims to strike the right balance between generating income for its lifesaving service and enhancing the Charity’s community presence.

Rob Coles, Head of Retail for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “We have had a presence in Bangor for several years and we are passionate about our connection to the city.

“The opportunity presented itself to improve the shopping experience for our supporters and the working environment for our employees and volunteers. The Menai Centre is a popular location and feedback from retailers based there indicates that footfall is high and trade is positive.”

The new shop will officially open at 9.30am and the Mayor of Bangor, councillor Elin Walker Jones, will be attending during the morning. Customers are invited to celebrate the opening and to see the new shop for themselves, and perhaps pick up a bargain.

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The money raised from the Bangor shop, as a result of the donation and sale of preloved items, will have a lifesaving impact.

The Menai Centre was recently taken over by Bearmont Capital and the company has been working closely with the Wales Air Ambulance to ensure the relocation provides the best for the Charity and its loyal shoppers.

Rob Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of Bearmont Capital, said: "We are delighted to welcome Wales Air Ambulance to the Menai Centre. Since acquiring the shopping centre, our focus has been on attracting new tenants, whilst exploring new ideas to make the shopping experience more appealing for the local community and visitors alike.

“The placement of the charity shop in this location fills us with confidence that it will increase footfall to the high street, bringing employment opportunities and a new lease of life to a unit that has never been occupied."