Lytham St Annes RNLI Shop

There isn’t much information online about when the Lytham St Annes RNLI Shop was built but RNLI shops have humble beginnings, starting in the early 1920s as small cake stalls organized by volunteers to raise funds for local lifeboat stations. As the charity’s popularity grew, these stalls began to sell RNLI-branded souvenirs and Christmas cards. The first official shop within a lifeboat station was established in 1990, creating a dedicated space for supporters.

The RNLI shop in Lytham St Annes, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, offers a variety of gifts and souvenirs, from homeware and clothing to toys, greeting cards, and books. Every purchase, whether in-store or online, directly supports the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea, with all proceeds going toward lifeboat operations and lifeguard services. For many visitors, the shop is their first introduction to the RNLI, and volunteers play a vital role in welcoming them, sharing the charity’s life-saving work, and inspiring continued support for the cause.

Today, the RNLI operates around 160 shops across the UK and Ireland, both along the coast and in inland communities. These shops welcome close to a million visitors each year and offer an array of unique products, from jams and clothing to model boats and keyrings. Each purchase provides essential funding for RNLI’s volunteer crews and lifeguards, strengthening the charity’s mission through community engagement and ongoing public support.