SHOPPERS can be excused for seeing double as a Hampshire charity is about to open its second store in Petersfield.

The Rowans Hospice Emporium Charity Shop on Chapel Street will run in addition to their shop on the High Street.

The shop, which will stock furniture and larger goods like its Cosham and Southsea branches, will open next Thursday following a preview opening the morning before.

But although many shoppers and traders will be happy to see the former Job Centre back in use, reaction to its arrival has been decidedly mixed, given there’s now half a dozen on the road.

“I think there’s definitely space for charity shops in the town but I think Petersfield is saturated now,” said Peter James, owner of The Sports Locker.

“This street, when we moved here ten years ago, was a nice street to be on but it’s been taken over by bookmakers and charity shops.”

Brothers, Adam and Ben Ysselmuiden, who work at Frasers, wonder if charity shops might struggle to fill their shelves given the abundance of stores to donate to.

“It’s always good to see independent shops opening but my opinion is that it’s probably better to have a charity shop than an empty shop,” said Laurie Symes, manager of Jakes Toys.

“There are a lot of charity shops in Petersfield but with the internet and the way people are shopping online, we are definitely losing the traditional High Street.”

And the manager of the Sue Ryder shop on the corner of Lavant Street and Chapel Street also shares that opinion, even if it’s competition.

“All charity shops do outstanding work, providing care and support in their community and they also offer opportunities for people to experience the workplace,” said Judith, who didn’t give her surname.

“Yes, I’m sure some shopkeepers would like more small independent shops to come but perhaps we should look at the council for that and the landlords.”