Once dismissed as a potential “retail horror,” the Old Cinema in Yeovil has transformed from a former Art Deco movie house into a flourishing charity shop, proving sceptics wrong and becoming a vital community hub.
Operated by St Margaret’s Hospice Care, the Old Cinema opened its doors in 2015 amid doubts about whether Yeovil needed yet another charity shop. Ten years later, the three-story store stands as one of the hospice’s most unique and successful outlets, offering second-hand furniture, homeware, and clothing.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the shop recently unveiled a refurbishment of its top-floor clearance area. Repainted in calming shades of teal and blue, the revamped space was refreshed with the help of Barclays volunteers and a £100 donation from the Wickes Community Programme. The update sparked a notable increase in sales, with weekly revenue climbing by around £100 shortly after reopening—especially impressive given most items sell for just a few pounds.
READ MORE: Gloucester Rugby vs Bath Rugby LIVE: Team News and Play-by-Play Updates from the Premiership Rugby Cup
READ MORE: Shepton Mallet Performer Hospitalised After Falling from Carnival Cart
Darrell Symonds, Shop Manager at the Old Cinema, reflected on the transformation: “People thought Yeovil didn’t need another charity shop when we opened. Now, ten years on, we’re thriving. This place means so much to the community, and the new top floor shows just how far we’ve come. I’m incredibly proud of our team and the volunteers who make it all possible.”
Beyond retail success, the Old Cinema serves as a crucial support space for local families. It partners with organisations like the Abri Group, YMCA, and SSAFA to provide essential furniture and household items to those in need. The shop also collaborates with Community Payback volunteers, offering mentoring and skills training. Many participants have gone on to gain paid employment, some even within the shop itself.
Susan Kerber, Head of Retail at St Margaret’s Hospice, praised the shop’s impact: “The Old Cinema’s journey highlights what can be achieved through belief and perseverance. Early critics were mistaken; this shop is now a cornerstone of Yeovil’s high street. It shows how community spirit and compassion can transform both a building and lives.”
In addition to sales, the shop aids in logistics by delivering and collecting donations for other St Margaret’s stores throughout the region. Visitors come not only to shop but also to connect, fostering a welcoming sense of belonging in a high street landscape facing many challenges.
With the newly refurbished top floor open, the team is calling for new volunteers to help maintain and grow this thriving space.
Darrell added, “The shop is such a lovely place now. We’d love to welcome new faces even for a few hours a week. It’s a wonderful way to meet people, give back, and support our community.”