Lillie’s legacy: How Weldmar’s Bridport Superstore came to be in West Street
28th September 2026
Lilliput’s Textiles and Home Store, at 58 West Street, Bridport, had been a popular destination for shoppers for more than twenty years. The site is now the home of Weldmar’s newest charity superstore, which opened on 5th June, 2026 – but it could have been quite different.
“A couple of supermarkets were interested,” says owner Lillie Foster, who originally opened Lilliputs on St Michael’s Trading Estate in 1984. “When Weldmar said they wanted to have it, I was thrilled, and it was lovely being able to hand it over to them.”
Lillie knows just how much difference Weldmar can make for those with a life limiting illness. Her beloved husband, Eric, suddenly became ill in late 2022, and was given just four weeks to live— a complete shock for the family.
“We had to find people to look after him,” explains Lillie, “and along came Weldmar. We wanted him to be at home, and the care they gave him was just like him—gentle, kind, and modest. I remember one lovely young nurse, who came and spent a lot of time with him at his bedside.”
Lillie says she’s very impressed with the new Weldmar shop:
“We live in a throwaway society, so it’s lovely to see that a lot of good people bring good things to the store, so they can be resold instead of going to waste. A friend of mine said she bought a dress there, and another got a handbag. It seems very popular.”
It certainly is popular—the opening day of Bridport Superstore—where you can find a treasure trove of pre-loved furniture, fashion and homewares— broke Weldmar’s record for shop sales in a single day!
