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A shop in the Upper Rhymney Valley is helping people during the cost-of-living crisis by selling affordable reused items.

The Furniture Revival, in Rhymney, offers reused furniture, white goods and general items at an affordable price while also helping the environment by saving items which might otherwise end up as waste.

The social enterprise on Lawn Industrial Estate was set up back in 1999 – and its success continues to grow. 

“A lot of people are finally discovering us,” assistant manager Rachael Smith told Caerphilly Observer. 

“Part of it is being able to give good quality items at a good price,” she added. 

It may, however, also be due to the cost-of-living crisis, with 92% of adults in Great Britain reporting an increase in their living costs from November to December 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics.

“Our numbers have been higher into winter,” said Rachael, “I think part of that is people feeling the pinch.

“People don’t have the money to replace [things].”

The shop, which is owned by community charity Groundwork Caerphilly, relies on donations from people in the community.

Unwanted furniture, electricals and items such as wardrobes, sofas, three-piece suites and chests of drawers are in demand but need to be in good working condition as only minor repairs can be made in the store. 

Donations come from organisations too, including factory returns from well-known high street stores to local businesses. 

In September 2022, Cllr Jamie Pritchard connected the Furniture Revival with Paula Mills from local business Trident Couriers – who donated around 50 mattresses and beds.

Speaking at the time of the donation, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “The relationship we have with Furniture Revival means we’ve been able to work together with residents in order to increase the number of items available to the public at much lower costs than the high street shops. 

“We look forward to continuing our close working relationship.”

The Furniture Revival’s relationship with Trident has continued and there are now regular monthly collections.

“It’s fantastic,” said Rachael, “we look forward to an ongoing relationship with Trident Couriers where they’re helping us to continue to support the community.”

Rachael also highlighted the help of local councillors. “We get a lot of support from the local councillors,” she said, “in letting local constituents know there is a place that’s there to help them with affordable furniture and volunteering opportunities.”

The impact of the store extends deeper into the community as they offer support through volunteering opportunities.

“A lot of people around here are out of work or lonely,” said Rachael.

In Rhymney, 51.9% of people are ‘economically inactive’ compared to the England and Wales average of 39.4%, according to statistics from the 2021 Census.

Volunteering opportunities are open to anybody, and according to Rachael benefits include skills development and socialising with others. 

There are volunteering opportunities such as admin, cleaning, customer service and helping in the warehouse.

The Furniture Revival is open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. 

The Furniture Revival also hosts free monthly repair cafes where customers can bring items that need minor furniture repairs, and come and see upcycling demonstrations. The date of the next event has yet to be announced.