Shekinah’s charity shop on Union Street has undergone a complete transformation and name change with the aim of recycling treasures from a bygone age to secure brighter futures for the city’s disadvantaged. The revamp will see the store emerge as a vintage and retro clothing style boutique when it opens its doors to the keen eye of Plymouth’s retro chic fashionistas on Friday, 2 December 2011. 
 
To celebrate the official opening of ‘Re:store’, Shekinah is holding a vintage tea party at the rebranded charity shop, kindly sponsored by The Will Centre.  Re:store 142 Union Street (opposite Aldi) launch is on Friday, 2 December 2011 between 11am and 2pm.  Plymouth shoppers will be transported back in time over a cuppa served in bone china vintage crockery donated by Eloise's Tea Party whilst nibbling on cakes donated by Wembury Bay Sweet & Savouries, staff and volunteers.  A tableau of models dressed in their vintage finery for a live window display is set to add authenticity to the event as visitors browse restocked rails within a refreshed interior.
 
“Hunting for vintage and finding a piece of gold is a fantastic thrill and a rewarding alternative to buying from the high-street. I particularly like the idea of each piece being unique and having its own narrative-story,” says new charity shop manager Natalie Pace who has played a pivotal role in Re:store's shift towards vintage glamour.  Natalie, who is currently completing an MA in History of Art, combines her love for vintage with 10 year’s retail experience.  She brings a fresh approach to her new role having recently returned to the UK from Cambodia where she worked as a curator for an art and architecture festival in Phnom Penh.  “Our plans for Re:store are not limited to selling clothes to support Shekinah.  We’ll also be engaging local artists, fashion designers and craftspeople, providing a hub for the city’s creatives to meet, share ideas, and sell work,” she adds.

“Our vision for Re:store is to create a buzz on Union Street, tap into the growing trend for period clothing, support local creatives, develop new partnerships and offer exciting new volunteering opportunities for art, design and textile enthusiasts,” says Laura Crewes, head of training at Shekinah who plans to continue using the charity shop as a training ground for clients to gain employability skills, customer service and retail experience.  “We hope that supporters and die hard charity shop enthusiasts from the local business, student and wider community will join us at Re:store for our launch, have a look around, leave with a treasured bargain and keep revisiting us to see what vintage treasures our rails have to offer,” she adds.
 
If anyone is interested in finding out more about Re:store or would like to donate mannequins, quality vintage clothing and accessories and help its vintage vision to come to life, please contact Laura on 01752 220330 or drop donations into Shekinah's training academy at 24 Stonehouse Street (before Friday, 2 December).  Donations will also be welcomed at Re:store from Saturday, 3 December during opening hours - Tuesdays to Fridays (9.30am - 3.30pm) and Saturdays (10am-2pm).