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A new charity shop is set to open in the Wiltshire market town, bringing a boost to the local high street. Julia's House is preparing to launch its second shop in Devizes after taking over the former Carpetright store on New Park Street. The large retail unit had been empty since July 2024 but is now being transformed into a charity shop.

Although an official opening date has not yet been announced, signs in the window suggest the shop is close to welcoming its first customers. A note placed in the shopfront on February 26 read: "Hello future customers, we are almost ready to open. Please come back soon, we're just getting it ready." Work on the new store was still ongoing earlier this month as preparations continued inside the building.

Julia's House already runs another charity shop in Devizes on Maryport Street, which will remain open once the new branch launches.

The charity said the larger shop will offer more space and a convenient drop-off point for donations.

A spokesperson for Julia's House previously said: "We're excited to be opening a second charity shop in Devizes.

"Our existing, much-loved town centre shop will remain open (just a five-minute walk away), while the new store - a larger retail unit with a convenient drive-in donation drop-off point - will specialise in children's items and homeware."

Julia's House is a children's hospice charity supporting families in Dorset and Wiltshire who are caring for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

The charity provides practical and emotional support to families both in their homes and in the community, as well as at its hospice facilities. Its shops help raise vital funds to support this work.

According to the charity's website, shopping in its stores offers something a little different from the typical charity shop experience.

It said: "Shopping with Julia's House is a truly unique experience. Our charity shops are like no other with their boutique-inspired interiors and beautifully laid out departments - you'll just love browsing for bargains."

The new shop is expected to add another reason for visitors to explore Devizes.

Visit Wiltshire describes Devizes as a market town with a colourful medieval past and more than 500 listed buildings.

At the centre of the town is a large Market Place surrounded by independent shops and regular markets, including the weekly Thursday market.

Devizes is also home to several well-known attractions. Visitors can take a tour of Wadworth Brewery and sample its famous 6X ale, or explore the Caen Hill flight on the Kennet and Avon Canal, which features 29 locks and is considered a triumph of Georgian engineering.

The town's Wiltshire Museum also attracts visitors with award-winning galleries that display gold from the time of Stonehenge and tell the story of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

Throughout the year, Devizes hosts a range of community events including an Art Festival, an International Street Festival and a Food Festival, many of which take place in the recently refurbished Hillworth Park.

To find out more about the work that Julia's House is doing, click here.