Staff and volunteers at Wimbledon Guild’s shop are inviting shoppers in for a cup of tea and mince pies while they browse for bargains in the run-up to Christmas.

Jill Caney, manager of the shop for the last 10 years, says it’s like Christmas every day thanks to the warm welcome offered by her team of volunteers, and the sacks of donated goodies they get to open most days.

Jill said: “I love my job. It’s like Christmas all year round in here as it’s not just a shop, it’s a hub where local people come in not just to look for bargains, but to have a chat and a cup of tea and some company.

“Many of our regulars are elderly people and our amazing volunteers are always ready with a chat and a cuppa.

“We’re also lucky that people donate such fantastic items to us and every time we open a bag, it’s like Christmas all over again, discovering the treasures that are inside.

“They say that one person’s unwanted items are another person’s unclaimed treasures and that is so true.”

Visitors will find the shop in full festive swing with Jill dressed for the season in a series of Christmas outfits including Mrs Claus and one of Santa’s reindeer.

Local people looking to shop ethically and give a gift to their loved ones, while giving something back, will find plenty to choose from at Wimbledon Guild’s shop, based on Upper East Green in Mitcham, including a lovely display of Christmas ornaments and the Christmas bauble box filled with sparkling decorations costing just 20p each.

The 20p toy box is filled with cars, figures and other small toys which would make perfect stocking fillers. Toiletry gift sets, handbags, hats and scarves are other popular presents.

Jill said: “I love the bauble box as it changes every day. People tend to change their Christmas decorations every year now and this offers a fantastic opportunity to do that and help us raise funds at the same time.

“Shopping here definitely has the personal touch. We also have many families who come in  and the 20p toy box is really popular with children.”

Wimbledon Guild helps people of all ages across Merton and as Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for those in need, the charity is also appealing for donations of good quality women’s and men’s clothes, accessories and home wares.

Wimbledon Guild Chief Executive Wendy Pridmore said: “There is hardship at Christmas in our community but there is hardship all year round.

“We are currently giving cash grants to people in need just so they can eat during the festive season.

“We need as much support and donations as possible and a great way of giving is to support our charity shop.”

The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. For more information please visit Wimbledon Guild.