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In November 2025, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s (GWAAC) Yate shop unveiled a fresh new makeover, creating a brighter and more welcoming space for customers and supporters. The transformation could not have come at a better time, arriving just ahead of the Christmas rush.
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, festive bargains or just fancy popping in, our refreshed Yate shop is ready to welcome more people through its doors. Plus, every purchase helps raise vital funds to support our lifesaving service across the region.
Why our Yate shop needed a refresh
Since opening in Yate Shopping Centre in August 2021, our shop has become a valued part of the local community. So much so that in 2024 we welcomed more customers and visitors to Yate than any of our other charity shops (we have thirteen and counting!).
The high footfall combined with the fact that our Yate shop is one of our oldest meant it was time for a refresh. We wanted to bring our busiest shop on record up to date and in line with our newer shops to ensure it continues to serve the community effectively for years to come. This in turn will hopefully generate more vital income for our air ambulance and critical care service.
The shop’s transformation
We reimagined the space to make it more functional and inviting for everyone who visits. Key improvements include:
- More back-of-house space: By moving the back wall forward, we created extra room to safely manage donations. This means we can accept even more items and process them efficiently.
- Upgraded changing room: Our new changing room gives you a better space to try on clothes before buying, making shopping more convenient and enjoyable.
- Improved display fixtures: The side walls have been updated from slat walls to mounted fixtures to create a cleaner, more organised space for browsing.
- More selling space: By reducing the till area, we’ve freed up more space, allowing for greater choice and variation of products.
- Community board: In line with our other shops, the board highlights local events, community initiatives and mission stats, helping visitors learn more about GWAAC and what we do in Yate.
- Expanded shelving: A large new shelving unit now showcases more books, games, CDs and DVDs than ever before, which makes it easier to find a hidden gem.
Early success from the new look
Both customers and our retail volunteers have warmly received the changes; they’ve praised the brighter layout, easier browsing experience and improved organisation throughout the shop. Many have remarked on how much more welcoming and enjoyable the space feels, making it easier to explore the range and support GWAAC.
Our recent makeover has meant that we can showcase donations effectively and enhance the overall appearance of the shop. It’s also created a better organised space for us to accept more donations, helping us to raise vital lifesaving funds”
Come and visit your local GWAAC shop
Our Yate shop makeover is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure every GWAAC shop is a vibrant, welcoming space where people can discover and shop for pre-loved gems, learn about our charity and contribute to their local community. With thirteen shops across the region and more planned for the future, every visit helps support our lifesaving work.
And it’s not just our Yate shop that’s worth a visit! If you live a little further afield, you can find out where your nearest GWAAC shop is here. Our friendly team our waiting to welcome you to browse our range and discover how your support helps keep us flying.
