The Revive re-use shop in Hunslet was officially opened today (25 September 2024) by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung.
Also in attendance were Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique; ward Councillors Ed Carlisle and Paul Wray; Elizabeth Palmer, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP); Ali Ward, Board member at SLATE as well as staff and volunteers.
The shop builds on the success of shops at the Seacroft and Kirkstall household waste sites, where reusable items are diverted from the incinerator or landfill. The items are then sold at affordable prices to benefit residents and two Leeds charities: SLATE and SVP who jointly set up the social enterprise.
Andrew Zbos Operations Director at Revive explained that since opening the first shop in Seacroft 12 years ago, Revive has grown its turnover from £100,000 to about £2 million this year.
“Leeds needed a third shop” he continued “and having trialled having a shop away from the household waste sites in Kirklees, we can expand even further in Leeds. This shop’s working fabulously and with 5,000 sq ft selling space it’s more than twice the size of Seacroft.”
As well as avoiding waste the shops help the local community by providing items at affordable prices. Most things on sale at Hunslet cost just £2.
As well as paid staff, the shop is staffed by volunteers. If you are interested in joining the team you can apply through the Revive website, or pick up a form in the shop. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, a track record and reference. Volunteers have gone on to gain paid employment within Revive and with other companies.
Cllr Mohammed Rafique commented:
“As a Council we’re delighted to work with Revive and see this third shop opened. This will benefit everyone, from those who want to recycle or reuse their items that they no longer require to people who do require the items and can buy them at very reasonable prices. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone and I’m really delighted that Revive have opened a third shop building on their very successful shops in Seacroft and Kirkstall.”
Cllr Paul Wray (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside) said:
“The arrival of Revive in Hunslet is great news for the area and the wider city, helping to deliver quality second hand items at great value and helping to reduce Leeds’ carbon footprint. This is a win-win for everyone involved and I have every confidence the store will see significant footfall and revenue growth, which will help fund their members charities, SLATE and St Vincent De Paul.”
And Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) and a member of the Board at SLATE, added:
“Revive is a brilliant example of community innovation: saving us all money, helping to reduce waste and save the planet, and supporting local charities. As well as the Leeds stores, we’re also now putting down roots in Kirklees, and are looking to develop across the region. Thanks to the hard-working team driving it, and all those supporting us by shopping here, or donating.”
Revive’s Reuse Shop is at Hunslet Green Retail Park (opposite Morrisons car park) LS10 2AP. It’s open seven days a week 10am-5:30pm.
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