A brand-new megastore selling preloved and upcycled clothes, accessories, homeware, and furniture opened up today opposite Rivermead Leisure Centre. 

Dozens of thrifty shoppers turned up today Thursday, October 17 for a first look at the new Thames Hospice Superstore which is situated on Richfield Avenue 

The site occupies the old Fun and Frolics building and stocks everything from white goods to high-quality fashion to upcycled furniture. 

At the opening ceremony of the new shop, the mayor of Reading Councillor Glenn Dennis made a speech to congratulate the team on their hard work. 

"It's a real pleasure to be here today," he said. "I am immensely proud to welcome this new addition to our town and community. 

"The launch of this superstore resembles another way that Thames Hospice continues to make a difference, not just in health care but in the heart of the economy and our local environment.

"By offering quality preloved and upcycled items this store represents an innovative approach to sustainability which benefits not only shoppers but also the environment."

Once the ribbon was cut at the entrance of the store, the excited customers were welcomed into the new unit by the team. 

The interior of the superstore feels very fresh, with colour-coordinated racks of high-quality second-hand clothes, accessories, footwear, and bags. 

It appears almost like a showroom with bright overhead lighting and various sections displaying homeware, many set up like bedrooms. 

Their section for children was also impressive with lots of stuff on offer for little ones, as well as a good deal of men's clothing. 

Marketing and communications manager Kathryn Best, 55, said that the whole team is very excited to invite customers to see what they have been working on. 

"We do a terrific amount of upcycling in turns of furniture and will also have a repair shed. People can bring in pre-loved items and we can fix them or alter them," Ms Best said. 

Toys are going to be a particular focus of the repair shed but they also plan to offer repairs for furniture and clothes. 

"We have an upcycling studio where we amend and improve pre-loved furniture which we then distribute to the shop floor," she said. 

This service also includes taking orders on customers' furniture that they want to alter so experts can do it in-store. 

"It's everything we already do at our stores but more," Ms Best said. "We have a dedicated vintage and retro section where there will also be professionals who can repair clothes and make small alterations."