Jayne’s Baby Bank Brynmawr store appears to be approaching closure. Despite receiving £9,528 in council funding since April to assist with operating costs, the future of this particular branch remains uncertain.
In a recent message to her customers, Jayne states: “Unfortunately, if sales do not increase at our Brynmawr shop, we will be closing it at the end of the first-year tenancy.” This may come as a surprise, particularly as all her shops reportedly operate on reduced rent, made possible by the charitable designation granted at the time of lease agreements.
In a video shared within her Brynmawr Facebook group, Jayne expresses frustration with customer behaviour, describing some requests for assistance as “rude.” Notably, she stresses that support is only extended to vulnerable families who first contribute to the stores—effectively implementing a “donate to access help” policy. She compares the current circumstances to those in Aberbargoed, where a previous store was ultimately closed following eviction.
At present, the broader Jayne’s Baby Bank network includes multiple physical and digital stores—most of which, according to public statements, are operated by volunteers. These include:
- In-store sales (Bargoed, Brynmawr, Blackwood, etc.)
- Online second-hand listings (Vinted)
- Car boot sales
While these operations are framed as charitable in nature, some members of the public have raised concerns about financial transparency—especially given the receipt of council funding, community donations, and volunteer labour. In light of this, some are questioning how these shops continue to face financial instability.
To illustrate the commercial footprint of Jayne’s Baby Bank online, here are links to several affiliated Vinted accounts where items are being sold:
Vinted Store 1 |
Vinted Store 2 |
Vinted Store 3
As discussions continue around funding, operational ethics, and public representation, it remains to be seen how long these ventures can remain sustainable—and whether increased scrutiny from local authorities will play a more active role moving forward.
Sherlock…
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available data, social media content, and statements made by individuals associated with Jayne’s Baby Bank. Where commentary is provided, it reflects editorial opinion intended for public interest reporting. No conclusions of legal wrongdoing are implied or asserted. This article has been supported in part by AI-assisted research tools. Readers are encouraged to consult official records and regulatory authorities for further information.