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Designer donations help charity shop win award

Nicola HaselerHertfordshire
News imageNicola Haseler/BBC Woman with brown bobbed hair and wearing a cream polo-neck jumper. She is smiling and holding up in her right hand a beige Burberry rain coat, with checked lining and a Burberry label, on a wooden hangar. Nicola Haseler/BBC
Manager Katarzyna Albinska is grateful for the many quality donations to the Cancer Research UK shop in Harpenden

A charity shop manager has credited volunteers and the "quality of the donations" for helping her store scoop an industry award.

The Cancer Research UK Boutique in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, has been voted the best in the East of England by customers, who praised its friendly staff, community events and "constantly updated stock".

It was shortlisted by the Charity Retail Association from 5,000 nominations, before opening to a public vote.

Manager Katarzyna Albinska said: "It was a shock, but it's given us a massive lift to do more."

A team of two paid staff and 30 volunteers run the store, working behind the scenes to sort and display the best items.

It is also where local pre-loved fashion stylist Caroline Jones volunteers, helping customers to put outfits together.

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC A leopard print coat and trousers on a hanger, next to a stripey sweatshirt, jeans and handbag on a hanger.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Outfits are styled from charity donations by the team of volunteers

"We process about 100 items a day, so new stock will go out on the shop floor every day," Ms Albinska added.

"Without those volunteers that would never be possible."

The shop often receives "high value" donations, such as Dolce & Gabbana and Chloe shoes, Burberry and Prada handbags.

"We get really special items," Ms Albinska said.

"We're very lucky, and only good stock goes out on the shop floor. You'll never find an item with a hole or tear."

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC A shelving unit displaying designer shoes and handbagsNicola Haseler/BBC
Handbags by Lulu Guinness and Aspinal are displayed on the shelves

Members of the public who voted for the UK's Favourite Charity Shop 2025 commented that the shop "always has great storefront displays, staff are friendly and welcoming, and they host many events in the local community".

Another voter said: "It is always a pleasure to visit as you are sure to find that 'little gem'."

Jo Mewett, head of retail operations for Cancer Research UK, said: "We are delighted our Harpenden store is the nation's favourite charity shop in the East of England, and that's predominantly down to our wonderful staff, volunteers, and of course, our shoppers."

"As well as offering a great shopping experience, the shop helps to inform, engage, and inspire supporters about the importance of raising funds for ground-breaking research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer."

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC Cancer Research UK shop front next to a barber's shop on Harpenden high street.Nicola Haseler/BBC
The store is one of a number of charity shops along Harpenden high street

Ms Albinska said the team would celebrate the achievement on 1 November when the award will be presented.

"We absolutely love the Harpenden community, the local people are so generous and so friendly," she said.

"We will have a massive cake and we'd love people to join us. We'd like to think we are for everyone."

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