Dunelm Exeter launches local ‘Home To Home’ trial initiative
Customers now able to pass on pre-loved homewares into store, to be rehomed with families or individuals in need
Dunelm, the UK’s leading homewares retailer, is trialling the launch of Home to Home, an innovative homewares ‘pass it on’ scheme in Exeter - encouraging shoppers to pass on their pre-loved items, which will be donated onwards to families and individuals in the local community who will be able to make good use of them.
Home to Home will have its initial trial in four stores across the UK including Exeter. Developed in collaboration with environmental charity, Hubbub , the scheme plans to offer customers a more meaningful way of passing on their no longer needed household items by inviting them to bring their pre-loved items directly into store, after which they will be sorted and re-distributed by community experts Julian House, in their local area.
Julian House is a regional charity that supports vulnerable and at-risk individuals across the South West England. These include adults and young people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic abuse, adults with learning difficulties and people who need support after leaving prison.
Annabelle, Senior Community & Events Fundraiser of Julian House, South West said, “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Dunelm and Hubbub, these donations will be a huge help to those most vulnerable in our community.
We are always in need of homeware and soft furnishings, and it’s a key focus for us that our clients are able to choose their own items. These donations are so important for making a house a home and can greatly improve a vulnerable person’s sense of wellbeing, security, and belonging. “
The Sowton Industrial Estate-based Dunelm store is accepting preloved homeware items from any retailer including kitchenware and home décor items like clocks, mirrors, throws, curtains, cushions and small storage items.
Ed Bishop, the store coach at Dunelm Exeter, added: “We're delighted to be part of Dunelm’s Home to Home trial stores and to be able to provide our customers with an accessible solution to see their no longer needed homeware items purposefully recycled, as well as supporting local families and individuals.”
The Exeter Dunelm store is also hosting a free swap, buy-and-sell add on to its already thriving Facebook Community group which will allow members to swap or buy/sell preloved items online during what for many is a challenging financial time. This welcome add-on has been designed to connect home lovers locally and help give preloved items a new lease of life.
Both schemes will run alongside Dunelm’s already established sustainability initiatives, including the popular instore Textile Takeback scheme which has already seen 405 tonnes of unwanted fabric donated by customers since it launched last year, with approximately 65% of donated material reused, 20% repurposed and 15% recycled.
To find out more on how you can get involved with the Home To Home scheme, please visit: www.dunelm.com/info/pass-it-on-with-purpose
