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News
St Gemma’s Hospice Celebrates Opening Of New-Look Store
Mon 12 Oct, 2026
Larger store opens at the Merrion Centre, offering shoppers more choice while raising vital funds
A new, flasgship St Gemma’s Hospice store is now open at the Merrion Centre following eight successful years at the popular shopping destination.
The opening was attended by the Lord Mayor of Leeds who welcomed customers as they explored an extensive selection of quality pre-loved fashion, homeware, children’s toys and more.
The new store occupies a larger more prominent position at the centre’s main entrance from Merrion Street and gives shoppers even more opportunities to discover unique pieces and great-value finds while raising vital funds for St Gemma’s Hospice.
Building on the Success of the Original Store
The relocation follows the success of St Gemma’s original Merrion Centre shop, which opened in October 2018.
As the charity’s first shop within a shopping centre, it quickly established a loyal following among students, city centre workers, residents, families and visitors.
Charles Newman, Asset Management Director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said:
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to St Gemma’s new-look store. It was a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor of Leeds to the opening and celebrate this exciting next chapter for a charity that has been a much-loved part of the Merrion Centre since 2018.
“The larger store looks fantastic and brings even more choice to our customers. Seeing so many people embrace the new space is hugely encouraging, particularly when every purchase helps support such an important local cause.”
A Unique City Centre Destination for Sustainable and Affordable Fashion
St Gemma’s has 27 charity shops across Leeds and the surrounding area, with the Merrion Centre remaining its only Leeds city centre location.
The store is particularly popular with students seeking individual pieces, affordable fashion and more sustainable ways to shop.
Its opening also comes as new and returning students settle into Leeds for the university year, offering an accessible city centre destination to browse, donate and support the hospice.
Jane Kent, Head of Retail at St Gemma’s Hospice, said:
“We’re delighted to have opened our new-look Merrion Centre store and have been so pleased with the warm welcome from customers.
“Our original shop built a fantastic following, and it’s wonderful to see that enthusiasm continue in our larger space. Every purchase and donation helps support the care provided by St Gemma’s Hospice and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has visited and supported the opening. We look forward to welcoming many more shoppers through our doors.”