Our BSL Op Shops emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns stronger than ever
Our Op Shops had a disruptive financial year as the retail industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. As restrictions eased, our team was excited to be operational again and thrilled to be back serving their local communities.
Our teams returned stronger despite many challenges
Our staff showed incredible resilience and patience as they managed themselves and their volunteer teams through the three restarts out of lockdown. Some of the challenges they faced included managing the operational complexity of changing regulations, recruiting volunteers anew, accepting and selling donations in a COVID-safe manner and, of course, ensuring their own safety by following COVID-safe requirements.
The team returned from that experience stronger than ever. More than 380 volunteers were engaged in our op shops and the online bookstore, Brotherhood Books.
After only a couple of months of operation, our teams working in-store were delivering even stronger sales performance than pre-COVID, generating vital funds to support BSL’s work to address poverty. This has been a Herculean effort and an absolute highlight for all of our team members.
We received a wonderful homewares donation from an old friend
Another highlight was a magnificent donation from former BSL client, Le Tran who is now the successful owner of Triple A Global and donated 20 pallets of brand-new bakeware and homewares to our BSL op shops.
When Le first came to Australia, BSL helped her out when she had little clothing and needed everyday essentials to get by, and she has never forgotten the support BSL gave her, all those years ago.
Learn more about this incredible donation by watching the video on Le's story below.
We opened a new store and relocated to a bigger warehouse
During the financial year, we also opened our new Sandringham store which is located across the road from Sandringham train station and is ablaze with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence orange signage and beacon in the main shopping strip.
We also relocated our Brotherhood Books and warehouse operations to a new site in Kensington.
Brotherhood Books has been a shining light within our Social Enterprises operations throughout the COVID period and continues to be so. The new location has allowed our team to swell by 450%, with volunteers in this program supporting record sales. Their time and efforts have meant the Brotherhood Books sales and inventory levels have far exceeded pre-COVID levels. There are now over 60,000 books available for purchase via the online store.
This year has highlighted how committed our donors, volunteers, customers and staff are and is a testament to BSL’s great work in the community.