St Barnabas Hospice Charity Shop (Birchwood) - Lincoln

Lesley D.

I used to love going to this store as I have lived in Birchwood for over 20 years but recently the staff have changed.
Tried donating recently on a couple of occasions the first time the lady in charge said take it to the back no welcomes or a thank you. This was a donation of my dogs travel buggy and I recently lost him.

Then today she turned us away with our donations even though they was a sign in the window to say they was expecting.
There was no sorry for the inconvenience, she just said I haven't had time to change it.
A reminder to staff we all lead busy lives. I myself work at lincoln county hospital and always make people feel welcome and appreciated the shop would not run if it wasn't through the communities donations.

Kayleigh D.

Manager very rude on several occasions when coming to store for donations. Lack of empathy and care towards customers that are donating to the charity. Was turned away giving donations even though the sign stated that they were accepting them/ wasting our time. This shop has gone down hill within the last few years in service and will not be returning again. I’m a manager in retail myself and it’s not hard to give customer a smile and a greeting to make them feel welcome!

Vic

I do love the feeling of bagging a bargain!
Unfortunately, the iems are priced way too high at this shop. Second hand women's boots for £25 when BHF offer good quality boots for £10.
Charity shops in town are also well stocked at fair prices and brand new clothes from Primark are only a little more expensive.

Paw Z. V.

A very expensive store, especially since it is a charity store and everything in it is used, sometimes in very poor condition, but the staff still sells clothes for prices comparable to new clothes. T-shirts which, for example, can be bought in Primark for £2, in St Barnabas also cost £2 used. I know that this is a very noble gesture of help and I always help, but let's agree that St Barnabas is not a boutique with a new collection of clothes.

Amy H.

Visited earlier today with my Mum and 1 and a half year old daughter. Absolutely shameful behaviour from the donation staff, especially with it being a charity close to my heart.

I came across a child's item that in my opinion was priced rather high, asked politely if they would accept a little lower and was met with rudness and unnecessary confrontation; one staff member shouted from across the shop floor that it had only just been put out and was retailed at £32.99 (which in fact on Amazon they are retailing the same brand/item for £24.99), when I explained this to them another staff member stormed out of the donation room and was extremely confrontational towards me.

I won't be coming back here, such a massive contrast in attitude compared to the staff at St Barnabas on The Forum, who couldn't be more polite and friendly.

On the contrary, the volunteers at the till were lovely, particularly the gentleman that served me.

Andrew W.

Though buying items here is pleasant enough, my donation experience today (earlier this afternoon) was rather unpleasant, and has put me off donating further.

The volunteer behind the counter had good customer service skills and was clear.

However, the volunteers in the donation room were rude, dismissive and quite frankly, have put me off donating anything further to the store. No ‘thank yous’ when I brought the stuff across, no consideration of the donations, and I had to thank them before I even got a thank you. I know they are volunteers and they are doing it out their own time. However, it was not a pleasant experience as someone who donating items I could have sold off. I will not be donating anything further to this place. I will be looking at Oxfam or the BHF for future drop offs.

Kim S.

Amazing shop, nothing like a charity shop, have some great items and when I go with my mum on a Saturday we’re always greeted by amazing staff, especially the lovely lady that serves us.
They are meticulous how it’s all displayed out, credit to all of them for making a charity shop a very special place to browse.
Extremely clean bright and clothes are colour co ordinated making it look like you’re walking in a clothes shop.
If I could give 6 stars I would .

Chasing M.

Rude staff!

I walked in 5 minutes ago (15/04/2021) and asked if they were accepting donations atm. The sweet older lady in the tills said yes they were.

I explained I had a huge box of DVDs, a huge box of toys and a bin bag of curtains and clothes.

I carried the first box in, the older lady asked if I could carry it to the back room, which I obliged.
The two 40 something ladies in the back room just looked at me, took the box and walked off and carried on their conversation.
I carried the next box in to the same room, and again they barely acknowledged me and again and said 'just leave it there' and continued chatting.
I didn't bother with the third donation.

Bloody rude! I do not work for you, I am not a volunteer for you (thank God!) I'm donating good quality stuff! (some completely unused!)

Will not be donating or buying from this store.

For a charity shop, they are the least welcoming or hospitable people!