Barnardo's - Sutton Coldfield

Barnardo's: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Children and Families in the Heart of Sutton Coldfield

Barnardo's, a renowned charity organization, has been providing essential support services to vulnerable children and families in the United Kingdom for over 150 years. With a rich history and a strong commitment to making a positive impact, Barnardo's has established a network of shops across the country, offering a wide range of services and products. In this article, we will delve into the details of Barnardo's located at Unit 1a, Princess Alice Retail Park, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, and explore its main services, location and access, featured characteristics, practical information, and positive aspects from reviews.

Main Services

• Thrift Store: Barnardo's thrift stores offer a vast array of donated goods, including clothing, homeware, and furniture, at affordable prices. The proceeds from the sale of these items support the charity's vital work in providing services to vulnerable children and families.
• Used Goods: In addition to clothing and homeware, Barnardo's stores also sell a range of used goods, including toys, books, and games. These items are sourced from donations and proceeds go towards supporting the charity's services.
• Clothing: Barnardo's clothing stores offer a wide range of affordable and fashionable clothing for all ages, from children to adults. The charity's clothing stores also provide employment opportunities for young people.
• Credit Cards and Debit Cards: Barnardo's accepts major credit and debit cards, making it convenient for customers to make purchases.
• NFC Mobile Payments: Many Barnardo's stores also accept NFC mobile payments, allowing customers to make contactless payments using their mobile devices.
• Delivery: For customers who prefer to shop online, Barnardo's offers a delivery service, ensuring that goods can be delivered directly to their doorstep.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park and Entrance: Barnardo's stores are designed to be accessible for all customers, with wheelchair-accessible car parks and entrances.

Location and Access

Barnardo's is located at Unit 1a, Princess Alice Retail Park, Princess Alice Dr, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B73 6RB, United Kingdom. The store is situated in the heart of Sutton Coldfield, making it easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot.

* Public Transportation: The store is served by regular bus services from nearby towns and cities, including Birmingham New Street and Sutton Coldfield town center.
* Car Parking: There is a large, wheelchair-accessible car park adjacent to the store, offering ample parking for customers.
* Accessibility: The store's entrance is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp providing easy access for customers with mobility impairments.

Featured Characteristics

* Quick Visit: Barnardo's stores are designed to be quick and easy to visit, with a wide range of products on offer and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
* Clothing for All Ages: Barnardo's clothing stores offer a wide range of affordable and fashionable clothing for all ages, from children to adults.
* Used Goods and Second-Hand Items: Barnardo's stores offer a vast array of used goods, including clothing, homeware, and furniture, at affordable prices.
* Employment Opportunities: Barnardo's clothing stores provide employment opportunities for young people, helping to support their skills development and job readiness.

Practical Information

* Phone Number: 121 355 6665
* Website: barnardos.org.uk
* Opening Hours: Please check the store's website for up-to-date opening hours.
* Payment Methods: Barnardo's accepts major credit and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Barnardo's has received an average rating of 3/5 on Google My Business, with 40 reviews from satisfied customers. Some of the positive aspects mentioned by reviewers include:

* Affordable Prices: Reviewers praised the affordability of Barnardo's products, with many stating that they were able to find great deals on the items they needed.
* Friendly Staff: Reviewers complimented the friendly and welcoming staff at Barnardo's, who were often described as helpful and knowledgeable.
* Convenient Location: Reviewers praised the store's convenient location, which made it easy to visit and shop.

However, some reviewers also mentioned a few areas for improvement, including:

* Limited Selection: Some reviewers noted that the store's selection of products was limited, particularly in certain categories.
* Disorganized Store Layout: A few reviewers mentioned that the store's layout was disorganized, making it difficult to find specific products.

Overall, Barnardo's remains a popular destination for those seeking affordable and fashionable clothing, used goods, and second-hand items. With its convenient location, friendly staff, and wide range of products, Barnardo's is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy shopping experience.

👍 Reviews of Barnardo's

DJ R. &. R.

1/5

Popped in today with my wife, who enjoys browsing the books and cups (she admittedly has a bit of a cup addiction !). She picked up a small silver-plated jug for our coffee machine marked up for £3.50 and took it to the downstairs counter to pay. The staff member said, “I need to check this,” and disappeared out back for about five minutes.

When she returned, she very abruptly said, “I can't sell you this.” My wife asked, “Why wouldn’t you?” and the reply was, “It was put out by mistake,” before the staff member walked off without another word.

Very strange interaction and left us feeling unwelcome. I'm not sure what’s going on, but we won’t be returning.

jennifer B.

1/5

I went on Monday with a car full of donations. I was rudely told that they couldn't take everything. This is the second time that this has happened. I understand that they might be overwhelmed with donations but they could refuse them in a pleasant manner. I doubt that I will bother donating to Barnardo's again. There are plenty of charity shops around with nice staff.

Sophie D.

5/5

Absolutely massive charity shop and they let the dog in too. The shop was neat and tidy, and the staff were friendly.

john C.

1/5

Visited a couple of times now and I'm surprised by the poor management of this store. Judging by all the reviews I'm not alone and it seems that Barnados are in no hurry to do anything about it.
The store is spread over 2 floors and is a total mess throughout.
Nowadays many charity shops are run and presented in the same way as other High Street chains and as a result enjoy a higher turn over of goods and a higher footfall. Most people today were just commenting on the mess and the fact that it looked like it was just a load of tat.

Barnados you are really missing a trick here. Big store great location and an opportunity to create a flagship store they would attract a lot more customers.

Instead of answering' We are sorry for your poor experience today blah blah' maybe have a re-think and do something about it.

Lexi

2/5

Went to have a look around but it's very untidy the displays of bric a brac and board games are messy and the rails could do with a tidy up as the sizes are all over the place. If items were kept neat it would look better. Also some of the prices are over the top. £8 for a primark jumper bit much £16 for a man's winter jumper. Who's working out the prices?

S M.

3/5

I don’t know what’s going on at this store lately but it’s an absolute mess. Always have enjoyed shopping here as they had such a nice variety of items and clean. It truly looks like dump now and no one really working. Today was our final visit.

John_rambo

1/5

Very rude staff especially when you take in donations went in a few weeks ago to donate some stuff for them to sell and make some money for their charity asked the assistant where shall I put them he looked at me and then totally ignored me 😞 thought maybe he’s having a bad day but there’s no need for he’s ignorant behaviour, then on Wednesday the 10th Jan 2024 this month took in 4 bags of donations at approximately 5.03pm to be stopped half way through the store by a very rude member of staff who refused my donations she rudely said no donations after 5pm 🕔 what absolutely disgusting behaviour from a charity shop member, to say I was shocked is an understatement. She’s not a volunteer but an actual paid member of staff. Absolutely unacceptable disgusting behaviour, I took my 4 bags of donations to cancer research in Perry Barr Birmingham instead who were absolutely grateful for my charitable donations. I will never shop here or donate anything ever again. If I couldn’t give any stars I would.

dennis H.

1/5

Awful shop at times, has been better of late on certain days so hit and miss! but a few members of staff, one I believe to be named Vicki is awfully rude and needs to treat people who donate with respect. Very bad customer service from her. Donated 26th April on morning and her sharpness has deterred me from ever donating again.

I'm now expecting the same as all your other replies to discruntled customers or those that donate."so sorry to hear you had a bad experience at our Sutton Coldfield branch of Barnardos" please call blah blah blah but you do nothing about it....

I've visited the store numerous times and you can't get your act together so don't bother with the usual reply you offer!! Just sort it!!

Dennis