Financial pressures causes charity shop closure

A charity shop that supports the animal shelter in Jersey is closing its doors at the end of April due to "ongoing economic pressures".

The Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) said it was "a difficult decision" to close its Sion Village Charity Shop in St John.

It said increasing costs, reduced footfall and long-term roadworks in the area made the shop "no longer sustainable".

St John's main road has been closed since November, with roadworks due to last more than a year until February 2027. One cafe in the area said it had lost thousands of pounds in earnings due to the closures so far.

JSPCA CEO Pam Aubert said the shop had been an important part of the community for the past five years.

"This has been a very difficult decision as the shop has been a way for our community to connect with and support the charity and importantly raise awareness for us," she said.

"Unfortunately, given the current economic environment and reduced footfall, it is no longer sustainable to operate the shop in its current form."

In March, the animal charity announced plans to close its assisted vet clinic at the end of May due to staffing challenges and increases in demand.

Caroline Doneghan, charity shop lead, said it was "a big shock to us all" and customers were upset too and asking if it would reopen in the future.

"We need to find new premises, but maybe next year we'll open up again," she said.

Aubert said future retail activity would be considered "as part of a strategic review, but it is too early to say what that will look like at this stage".

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said the shop was "a good asset in our community", but the government understood the charity's decision. He added that the roadworks were "essential".

"What we can't have in 2026 is sewage accessing mains drains - the roadworks should've been done a long time ago, whenever they're done there's going to be disruption," he said.

"I understand the charity's lease does have an end date on it, that's possibly helped their decision, but were disappointed to see them go."

The JSPCA said it would be no longer be taking donations at the shop and any items left after its closure on Saturday 25 April would be donated to other charities.

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