Charity shop ‘Sally in the Stow’ shortlisted for top award

A Salvation Army charity shop has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award, with the public encouraged to cast their vote by 2 October to help it win!

Walthamstow Salvation Army’s ‘Sally in the Stow’ charity shop is in the running to win the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award for London. The Awards, run by the Charity Retail Association, are now in their second year and are a celebration of the impact that charity shops have within their local communities. The winner will now be decided by a public vote. 

More than 5,000 nominations were received this year and, as part of the process, people were asked to share why they were nominating their favourite shop. When asked what makes ‘Sally in the Stow’ so special, one customer said: 

“The prices are amazing, the stock turnover is fast, there is a great range of toys, a wonderful furniture store, fantastic window displays, along with lots of vintage clothing. You can even park outside to drop items off. What's not to like!” 

Another customer added: “The friendliness, the willingness to help, the community spirit and teamwork, and the extras they provide. You need to experience it to understand.” 

Church leader at Walthamstow Salvation Army, Julie Pell said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for an award and would really appreciate if people would vote for us. We have a very supportive team here who have worked hard over the years to get ‘Sally in the Stow’ to where it is today. 

“The charity shop is part of our desire at Walthamstow Salvation Army to bring transformation locally and provide a space that people can come into and feel safe, supported and welcome.” 

Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, Robin Osterley OBE, said:

“Congratulations to all the shops that made the shortlist and thank you to everyone who made a nomination. The level of support the Awards continue to inspire highlights just how much charity shops mean to their local communities. 

“We are now calling on the public to cast their votes and decide which shops will be crowned winners in 12 areas across the UK.”

People can vote for ‘Sally in the Stow’ on the Charity Retail Association’s website until midnight on 2 October. 

Two more Salvation Army shops elsewhere in the UK that are operated by SATCoL, the trading arm of the church and charity, are also shortlisted for an award in their regions. They are the charity shop on Earl Grey Street, Edinburgh and the Donation Centre in Gorseinon, Swansea. 

To see all the shortlisted shops and for more details about the Awards, visit: https://charityretail.org.uk/the-uks-favourite-charity-shop