Upcycle closes its doors for good

Upcycle closed its doors for good on Saturday. Photo/ Andrew Warner

The lights have been switched off at a much-loved charity store that supports Tauranga Women's Refuge, for the last time.

Everything had been removed, and a green closed sign was painted on the window of Upcycle in Greerton on Saturday which was "sad but a reality" for Tauranga Women's Refuge acting manager Hazel Hape.

She said the combination of not being able to afford rent and the additional cost of having to clean up and dispose of dumped goods meant the store had to shut.

"We've all loved it and adored the store and the experience. We wanted to provide a sustainable service but we no longer can because of the unaffordable premises," Hape said.

The local community had come together to help clean up the store and sell remaining goods over the last few days, Hape said.

"So many customers have come into the store with cakes and gifts.

"You have to be positive. Watch this space; we will be back," she said.

Labour list MP and former Tauranga Women's Refuge manager Angie Warren-Clark was sad to see the store close but "completely understands" why it had to close.

"A decision had to be made because the lease was eating into profits the refuge was making," she said.

"It's a real shame because we used to make some fabulous money which really supported the refuge.

Then some days we would only just break even or have a couple of losses, we went through a few bad months," she said.

Warren-Clark said the location of the store meant it raised awareness of the Tauranga Women's Refuge.

Women who used the refuge could shop at the store for free, and any items they required could be sourced and brought in if they were not already in the store, she said.

Warren-Clark said the main thing she would miss about the store was the "amazing" volunteers who had helped since the store opened early in 2015.

"We've even had some people on benefits volunteer who have gone on to get fulltime work because of their experience at the store," she said.

Hape and Warren-Clark both said Upcycle would consider reopening if a smaller, more affordable space was available.

If you can help with a new location, please contact the Tauranga Women's Refuge.