SHOPPERS in Sunderland can get Christmas all wrapped up thanks to a new initiative.
From November 26, Sunderland’s Business Improvement District company, Experience It Here! will be running a special Drop and Wrap service in partnership with National Skills Shop for Retail.
Shoppers will be able to unload their gifts at the new Elephant Tea Room, High Street West, and leave them there to be wrapped while they enjoy the packed programme of seasonal events running in the city.
This includes an ice rink, Christmas market and funfair.
“Christmas shopping can be hectic,” said Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, Ken Dunbar. “We’re hoping that the Drop and Wrap service will help reduce stress and give visitors a chance to enjoy our events, without having to lug their gifts around.”
The Drop and Wrap service will be run by staff and apprentices from National Skills Shop for Retail, as well as several volunteers.
“There’s so much going on in Sunderland this Christmas, so it’s great to be able to provide a service that will make it easier for people to take advantage of that,” said Chris Hall, Sales and Marketing Director at National Skills Shop for Retail.
“We expect the service to be very popular and are appealing for volunteers to get into the festive spirit and give us a hand.”
Shoppers can have their presents wrapped from £2 per item, with 50 per cent of proceeds going to charities run by Sunderland Minster.
“Not only will this service help Sunderland’s visitors to enjoy the festive season, but it will also raise money for some really great causes,” said Sheila Bamber, Canon Provost at Sunderland Minster.
“We’re very grateful to Sunderland BID and National Skills Shop for Retail for choosing our charities to be the recipients of the money that’s raised.”
For more information about the Drop and Wrap service, or to volunteer, please call 0191 649 8686.