Salvos Stores the 'David Jones of Cessnock'
Salvos Stores the 'David Jones of Cessnock'
20 September 2022
Cessnock Salvos Stores manager Erin Copeland says her voluntary staff are like family.
‘The David Jones of Cessnock’ is how local residents are referring to the new Salvos Stores shop in the heart of the Hunter Valley city.
In March, the Cessnock Corps Family Store joined the Salvos Stores group as part of the Australia Territory Corps Store Transition Pilot.
The new Cessnock Salvos Stores shop in Vincent St.
Store Manager Erin Copeland and her army of volunteers worked with Salvos Stores NSW team members to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“While the new store [in Vincent St] was being decked out, the previous location remained operational so the locals could still shop and continue to experience the community spirit they know and love,” Erin said.
With their extensive range of pre-loved clothing and home décor, Erin said locals have been calling it the “David Jones of Cessnock!”
Six months down the track, Cessnock Salvos Stores is making three to four times as much as the Family Store did. Erin said this was thanks to Salvos Stores’ systems and processes to streamline daily tasks and refresh stock as needed.
All profits raised through selling pre-loved goods will continue to help the Cessnock community by funding the local corps.
“[Over the past six months], it’s been great to help the local community as much as we can. We’re finding our footing to do good.”
Like family
Erin is an adherent at Cessnock Salvos and has been attending the corps for five years after “my mother married the corps officer at the time”.
Erin out and about in the community collecting donations for the Salvos.
When the previous Family Store manager retired, and the job was advertised, Erin knew she had to apply. And she hasn’t regretted the decision.
“I really love my job ... we’re like family here,” she said.
Erin credits the ongoing support from the Cessnock Corps Officer, Major Wendy-Sue Swann, and corps members for the successful shift to a Salvos Store.
“I was thankful to still have the communication and help from the church and corps officer. She was able to help with things I needed at the new location but didn’t have just yet.”
The team now has the added support of store managers throughout the Central Coast and Hunter Valley area and the support network across Salvos Stores.
Leaning on the knowledge and experience across the organisation means the team will be able to continue to develop, grow and increase the positive impact they have in their local community.
Cessnock’s loyal customers continue to visit the store regularly and enjoy the consistent flow of new stock to love – including the purchased product range.
All members of the Cessnock Family Store team moved across to Salvos Stores and remain a close-knit group.
“We were still able to stay as a family,” Erin said. “All 35 volunteers are still very close and genuinely enjoy working together. We were sad to lose two volunteers due to some health issues, but we’re still here and stronger as a team.
“It’s a positive change; the money still goes to our community and frees up the officers to do the good work they do. We were thankful to be able to keep the connection with our officer ... I felt I needed her most days in the first few weeks.”
We look forward to seeing the positive difference the Salvos Cessnock team continues to make in our local community.
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