The Air Ambulance Charity Superstore - Alfreton - Alfreton

Amanda D.

Well, I am very disappointed with the welcome we have just received to dontate goods. We didn't feel welcome at all and was made to feel we were in the way. I was explaining about some delicate glass objects in a bag and rudely told to move out the way for other people donating, and this was while I was speaking! Felt like taking the items back. But, I know it's for a good cause. Definitely will not be back to this particular store, which is sad to say. These members of staff/volunteers have let the whole team down. They are in the wrong job, I am in front of house role, and volunteer position, too, and I would never speak to someone like that, even on a bad day.

Damion L.

I'm a strong supporter of the Air Ambulance initiatives. I've never needed one, but as a biker who knows people that have needed the service, I am acutely aware of just how important they can be.

This charity store branch is generally very good. There is a wide range of products neatly displayed, and it is clearly cleaned each day. The café looks nice, and clean, but I haven't used that area yet. Prices are generally extremely reasonable, striking a good balance between value for the customer and proceeds for the charity. I am frequently in store, sometimes two or three days a week

The staff are (with a couple of exceptions) extremely polite, and clearly take pride in what they do to help the Air Ambulance; as they should.

The branch does have a huge problem however, that despite bringing to their attention many times of late, is not being resolved. They regularly have illegal pirated copies of films, music CDs, and occasionally computer software, out on their shelves for sale (sometimes really, painfully obvious copies... Plain disc with marker pen writing of the album name and artist kind of obvious.)

This past week (17th - 23rd Jan), I handed in no less than seven pirated music CDs, across multiple visits, to members of staff at the counter. Then again today (24th January), I found another two pirated double disc music compilations, and a pirated DVD film, which I took to the counter (although much like Friday, the staff member I spoke to was completely uninterested in the issue). Today's discs are shown in the photos attached (taken on the store shelves), and are obvious copies on CD-Rs (and a recordable DVD). (For example, the green tinge on the audio CDs, the low quality printing on the discs, and the cardboard front inlay showing the cover art on both sides, rather than the real booklets.)

On Friday I had been told by the staff member I took the copies to, that it was the responsibility of customers - not their staff - to check that what they buy from the store isn't an illegal pirate copy (because according to the staff member, they don't have time to check that the items they put on their shelves are legal). I have held off writing this for months, trying to get anybody at the store to listen and take the issue seriously (with the exception of a couple of visits, I have found and handed in pirated copies each time I look through the music/film section). I have now also brought this to the attention of the wider charity, responsible from the charity stores, hoping this will make the store change. The moment the branch's disgraceful lack of concern about this changes, and they make a real effort to stop stocking and potentially selling illegal music/film/software copies, I will be changing this review, because other than this issue, I think it is a great place.

Christine M.

Love this place, take my mum every Saturday morning and have had some wonderful bargains. Sad to see some of the pricing getting a bit silly high. I’m not sure if they have someone new pricing but please take reality check as we have noticed that it’s not half as busy as it used to be and I’m sure it’s because people around here will stop coming because of that. Apart from that all great, noted comments about toilets and yes there are well used public toilets. All of the workers are lovely, I think people forget that sometimes these are volunteers not paid workers. Go if your looking to furnish a house or wanting some nice clothes, I’ve got lovely branded clothes like White Company, sketchers, Jeager. Always worth a look and you can have a clear out and donate at the same time. Love the fact that all this stuff is not going in landfill. Also disabled friendly- good for wheelchairs and all on one level

samantha S.

Words fail me.....donated 'too much' and told not to come back, I wasn't welcome. Totally unprovoked, and unnecessary. Definitely won't be back and won't donate a single penny ever again. Such a shame that such a critical charity is let down by awful staff.

Racheal W.

Everybody is wonderful, friendly and helpful. The charity shop has a fantastic range of items, I would definitely recommend.
The cafe is clean and has an amazing array of cakes!

Mr T.

So much to choose from, if your off out on a little shopping trip take some time to pay a visit. From chairs and tables to kids toys there is something for everyone. Remember in this day and age if you can up cycle something and support a really needed charity then go for it and make a difference.

Tina A.

Lovely place, full of great value items.
Love the hot chocolate in the landing pad cafe too.
Well worth a visit.

Carol S.

Beware customer toilets are not always available to public including those with medical cards and disabilities. I was informed by very rude and loud assistant that the toilets were not public toilets ….despite my being a customer who had made a purchase !!!! I am unlikely to return with such poor service and disregard for human dignity of a disabled 90 year old with stage 4 cancer. ….not what you expect of volunteers to support air ambulance service.