VOA Thrift Store opens in new location

Volunteers of America’s Thrift Store is back in business after the roof of its former store on North Atlantic collapsed under the weight of snow in the winter of 2009. 

It has reopened in a new location at 6206 E. Trent Ave. in Spokane Valley.

Marilee Roloff, executive director of VOA Spokane, said many have asked her when the store would reopen.  It held a grand opening on April 30 and is now open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays.

Proceeds from the store support the work of Volunteers of America in housing and support programs for homeless and vulnerable people—including the Crosswalk teen shelter and the Hope House women’s shelter.

Bill and Theresa Mitchell have managed the store since 1978 and have nearly a century of second-hand industry experience between them. They knew the condemned building and total inventory loss meant a long journey.

It took 16 months to find the new location.  They spent most of the spring renovating the 21,000-square-foot space, rebuilding their inventory and calling loyal customers.

During the past year and a half, the store has received inquiries from around the region and as far away as Minnesota from people wanting to know when the store was reopening.

“People love this store,” said Theresa. “They come from all over because it’s not just a way to find bargains. It’s entertainment. It’s therapy. We have regulars who come every day just to see what’s new.”

Bill said that the thrift store needs “a little bit of everything, every day.”

The store carries antiques, artwork, baby items, bicycles, books, children’s goods, clothing, DVDs, furniture, housewares, jewelry, musical instruments, plus-size clothing, rugs, shoes, toys and vintage items.

For information, call 327-4112.

 

Copyright © May 2010 - The Fig Tree