Located at the heart of Ripon, our bustling shop is a popular spot for quality second-hand shopping helping us to raise money for local people living with terminal illness and bereavement. Polly and her team help to make our shop a fun and friendly place for the community to come together, with many fantastic pre-loved items to choose from.
Here she shares what she enjoys about her role, and her experience of our shop…
“My favourite thing about working in our Ripon shop is the people: from our friendly customers to our amazing team of volunteers. There is always a great atmosphere and we have lots of fun together.”
“There is always a great atmosphere and we have lots of fun together.”
“With our different strengths, Heather, our Assistant Manger and I, bounce off each other perfectly. She brings her talent for spotting high-value brands and building displays, and I, my creative ideas for arranging the shop and ability to develop relationships with customers.
“I decided to join the team while shopping one day when I noticed how much of a good time they were having together. Even though I came from a clinical background, I soon grew into the role as everyone was so supportive and encouraging. Saint Michael’s has such a positive and welcoming culture.
View our current vacancies here
“Everyone was so supportive and encouraging. Saint Michael’s has such a positive and welcoming culture.”
“What spurs you on to do well is that so many customers know someone who has received care from Saint Michael’s. When they bring in their donations or make a purchase, they are so appreciative of how the hospice have looked after their friends or family. One of my own family members received respite care from the day therapy team.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our brilliant volunteers. When they help us for an hour or two per week, they bring so much wisdom to the team like knowing how to polish silverware or value jewellery.
Find out about volunteering with Saint Michael’s here
“I love how creative I can be in this role. For example, we when received the donation of a spectacular yellow ball gown, we just knew we had to make a Beauty and the Beast window display for Christmas. We all worked together to add different elements, from stuffing the beast with old cushions to creating Mrs Potts and Lumiere out of bric-a-brac. We were so pleased to win the Soroptimists’ charity Christmas window display competition.
“If you’ve got a good sense of humour, energy and you’re keen to collaborate with others, this is the role for you.”
We are often looking for people to join our fantastic retail team. Please see our recruitment page for more information and to view our current vacancies.
Our Ripon shop is located on North Street in the centre of the city, and is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-4.30pm. Please see our shops page for more information and for contact details.
