Kreate: Sheffield charity shop busier than ever after ‘villa’ letter sent

A charity shop which was targeted by a “vile” letter saying it wants to close has been “busier than ever”, a manager has said.

Kreate, a homewares store in Sheffield, was set up to provide work experience for adults with learning difficulties.

Hundreds of people pledged support for the store after a post about the letter went viral earlier this month.

Since then, people from across South Yorkshire have visited the shop, manager Glynis Philliskirk said.

“We’ve definitely been busier, which is fantastic,” Ms Philliskirk told the BBC.

“I have had an amazing week since I received the very sad letter. The outpouring of welcome and love has been incredible.”

The error-strewn letter, purporting to be from people in the neighborhood, said the store was not welcome in the area.

“Lots of businesses (sic) needed by communities (sic) have failed and I hope yours too,” it says.

However, when a copy of the letter was posted online on May 4, it had the opposite effect, with people across the country saying they would visit it.

Many kept their word and bought from the store, Ms. Philliskirk said.

Part of the charity Work Ltd, Kreate – in Hutcliffe Wood Road in Beauchief, provides supported retail experience for people with learning difficulties, teaching them how to carry out tasks such as using a house, stocking a shelf and packing items for sale.

The store began trading in November, with students set to begin training later this month.

Members of a nearby church wrote their own letter of support to store staff, saying they “hope and pray that your business will continue to grow and bless the local community.”

Another local business had left cookies to welcome them to the neighborhood.

“This horrific letter has brought the community together in an incredible way, we couldn’t have had a better presentation,” added Ms Philliskirk.