The long-established charity CT Furniture has expanded its network of retail stores by opening a new store in Northfield, Birmingham.Branching out and investing in new retail premises on the high street in these strange Covid-19 times, is a brave move. But that is what CT Furniture has done this month, by opening an additional furniture store in Northfield, Birmingham. This new charity venture will create one new job and several volunteer opportunities for customer service assistants, van drivers and administrative assistants. While preserving the roles of three existing staff who will transfer into the new store.

Based on Bristol Road South, Northfield this new store will bring quality pre-loved, vintage, antique and repurposed furniture to the town. It opened its doors on the 12th April, the official opening ceremony was overseen by Chairman of the charities Board of Trustees, Mr Barry Yeomans. This is third West Midlands retail development by the self-funded charity, which also has furniture branches in Sandwell, West Bromwich and Bilston, Wolverhampton.

The charity also has for many years had a warehouse site in Garrison Lane Birmingham, but with Clean Air Zone concerns, sales at this site continue to suffer and so in due course this will be closed, and the three existing staff transferred across. This new venture in Northfield will provide a better shopping experience for customers, with new stock arriving everyday it will allow them to pick up and order furniture, while out doing their daily shopping.

Nick Tomlinson, CT Furniture’s retail operations manager, said: “We are a National charity that provides affordable high quality pre-owned furniture to the public. We do this by accepting donations of unwanted items, our aim is to encourage furniture re-use and reduce items going to landfill by collecting re-usable furniture and electrical items free of charge from local residents. All following the latest social distance guidelines.”

He continued: “We are excited to be opening Northfield, which will be open Monday to Saturday. All our stores are stocked with items ranging from small electrical appliances through to beds, sofas, wardrobes all available at affordable prices, so helping individuals and families to furnish their homes. I'm eager to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer for the charity, we have several roles and always need an extra pair of hands.”

All surplus funds raised through the sale of donated furniture are used by the charity to help support its fleet of CT Passenger minibuses, who transport people with mobility issues or take those isolated for their shopping. Their fleet of 24 accessible and 13 non-accessible minibuses are based at sites in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry. Since the beginning of April 2020, they have provided over 37,000 passenger journeys, covering over 230,000 miles.

During the Pandemic, the charity has looked for new ways to support its local communities. Adapting and changing to the needs of residents and have worked with several organisations, delivering thousands of free school meals and hundreds of shopping deliveries to those who need to stay safe in their home. Plus, when local authorities were asked to find emergency homes for vulnerable people, CT Furniture were able to provide furniture packs for those who previously were staying in night shelters or living on the streets.

The charity has several volunteer opportunities and are always looking for help from those who have time and are looking to make a difference in the local community. In return, volunteers gain work-based skills that can help when it comes to finding a job. There is also the opportunity to meet new friends and be part of something worthwhile.

All the stores and collection teams are adhering to the government's latest COVID-safe guidelines.

Anyone looking for more information about volunteering or donating furniture, can ask instore or apply via the website, visit: www.communitytransport.org. 

Pictures:

Carol Todd, Northfield store retail supervisor and Nick Tomlinson, CT Furniture retail operations manager outside the new store in Northfield.

Barry Yeomans, Chairman of Community Transport Board of Trustees cutting the official opening ribbon for the Northfield store.

Michelle Brooks, CT Furniture retail assistant getting ready to serve customers.