15/08/2026
❗️PLEASE READ❗️
So, it’s been nearly a month since we reopened our doors to you at our new location in Littleover Village. In that time, we have also gained a lot of new followers who are curious about us and what we do. We know this intro is a tad delayed but we’re sure you’ll forgive us as its been all hands-on deck at the shop.
In September 2019, Emma our beautifully selfless leader decided she wanted to create a sanctuary and safe space for anyone in need. There was no definition as to “what in need” meant it was simply just another human who needed a helping hand in life. Emma’s emotionally charged motivation for this vision was borne out of experiencing homelessness herself. She knew the isolation and heartbreak it brought to her and her family and she was determined anyone who crossed her path would never feel the way she did.
Lo and behold, Emma’s Emporium was established with her third daughter Rose in tow as her trusty little sidekick. For several years Emma kept the Emporium afloat mostly on her own and we only realise the magnitude of that responsibility now that we have a fully fledged team who are tasked to the rafters.
Covid hit and the Emporium maintained a stoic presence and helped anyone who needed it and we all remember how much everyone struggled with the new norm of the that era. Many long-standing supporters of Emma’s Emporium found us during this testing time and remained within us throughout the years supporting us with their donations and custom.
Then came little Deputy Charlotte – Emma’s youngest, who within weeks was strapped to Emma in a baby carrier and had everyone cooing over this little firecracker who brought to joy to every volunteer and customer. You will see that Charlotte will often make an appearance on the page.
So, that’s the history but who are we and what do we do in the present day, I hear you ask??
Emma's Emporium is no ordinary charity shop and its volunteers are nothing short of extraordinary. We are a small collective of women who came to together through our own plight and struggles. Then, we realised we held the key all along to feeling better and that was to help others at a time when we probably could not help ourselves. Each volunteer is a vital piece in the Emporium's backbone. One by one as volunteers have joined we have become the family that we all needed. There is no judgement amongst them just pure laughter, banter and perhaps the odd friendly fire of bickering!
We are made up of women from the age of 16 to over 60. Full-time workers, part-time workers, busy mums, retired and those who live with chronic illnesses. Between us there isn't much we haven't seen. Now and again, you will also see the men who have become “Emma’s honorary ladies”. One such man being our wonderful jack of all trades - Carl.
We exist to help anyone who may need us. This may include victims of domestic violence, refugees, those in financial crisis or anyone impacted by poor health or injury. We will help to source household items, clothes, toys, wheelchairs etc. We rely solely on donations and whatever you give will either be given to those in need for free or for others to purchase in the shop at minimal prices at a time when everyone's purses and wallets are feeling the strain. The latter helps to retain our premises and overheads as without that we could not operate.
We are currently in the process of setting up a Food/Hygiene/Baby bank, which we hope will be sustained by local businesses and public donations to help those in need. This resource will not need a formal referral but a simple request into our inbox and the volunteers will make up the appropriate packages. Our new premises are smaller now, which was a conscious decision to make sure we could meet our overheads without compromising our services. What you can say about the volunteers is that they are certainly adaptable and relish a challenge and the last few weeks have been nothing short of that.
Once the bank is up and running it will be clearly advertised and therefore if you think we could help you then please get in touch via our inbox or pop into the shop. Each person is afforded confidentiality and privacy that they are entitled to. If we can't help then we will certainly explore other avenues of help with you.
Those who have been helped by us you will know that the admin team and the shop team try to make your experience with us as seamless as possible. The ladies will never ask invasive questions but they will ask how you are when you come in because that costs nothing, right?
We hope if we have helped you that one day when you are back on your feet you are able to pay that kindness forward because none of us know when we might need a hand.
The shop is also a community hub and we encourage everyone to pop and just say hi or ask us more about how we can help you or vice versa. We have said there will always be a cuppa or two available and for that extra bit of happiness we'll even crack open the biscuits!
We are accessible at 560 Burton Road, Littleover, Derby via the 5, 5A and V3 buses. Also, why not car share if you know a friend or a family member are popping into see us. We’d love to see you.
Please continue to support us and help us to widen our reach where possible by word-of-mouth recommendations, sharing our posts and championing what Emma’s Emporium stands for and what it can do.
Lots of Love,
Emma and The Team ### 🥰🥰🥰
