Published: 4 July 2023

Wales Air Ambulance’s Bangor shop is to relocate to a new premise in the city, offering an improved shopping experience for its supporters.

The lifesaving charity will move from its existing location on High Street into The Menai Centre, with the doors to the new shop due to open in August. In preparation for the relocation, the last day of trading in its current High Street store will be Saturday 8 July.

Amanda Hilton, the Charity’s Bangor Shop Manager, said: “This is such an exciting time for our Charity and I am looking forward to relocating.

“The new shop location has increased floor space and will accommodate large and small items that have been generously donated by the public. This includes preloved clothing, homeware and furniture.”

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. An opportunity has 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.”

A new job has been created because of the move, with the Charity appointing an assistant manager. There are also volunteering opportunities available in the shop and further details can be found by visiting www.walesairambulance.com/volunteer.

The Menai Centre is owned by Bearmont Capital. The company has worked closely with the Charity to complete a comprehensive schedule of works and has donated fittings from the old Debenhams store in the centre.

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."

Amanda concluded by saying: “Along with the assistant manager and all of the volunteers, are looking forward to the move and to starting a new chapter together with the Wales Air Ambulance.”

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

Known as a ‘Flying Emergency Department’ due to the consultant-led care it offers, the air ambulance service in Wales is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership.

The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £8 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.