Thrift store opens in Gardendale

Published 9:34 am Wednesday, June 3, 2009

By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Shoppers in search of a good bargain now have a new store to patronize in Gardendale.

An America’s Thrift Store opened on May 29 at 1315 Decatur Highway and has seen a packed parking lot and steady business in its first week of operation. The Gardendale store represents the eighth Alabama location and the 14th store in the southeast.

Gardendale Mayor Othell Phillips said he hopes the store will be successful and likewise hopes sales tax revenue will help cushion the blow of the recent closings of Goody’s and Food World.

“If it stays busy like it is now, it will help fill the gap from some of the other stores we’ve lost because of the economy,” he said. “My wife and I plan on shopping there.”

Best known for carrying a wide variety of new and second-hand clothing items, America’s Thrift Stores also stocks furniture, household items, toys and small appliances. Some stores also carry collectibles like flatware, China, records and books. The store also has a “liberal return policy,” according to a press release.

At least 52 percent of the store’s proceeds are donated to ministries like The King’s Ranch and Hannah Homes. The chain also employs more than 1,000 workers.

Tim Alvis, president of America’s Thrift Stores, said his company had eyed Gardendale for some time as a possible location. He said the early success of the Gardendale store is not unusual because sales numbers at all of the stores have been up since the recession deepened.

“We’ve been doing real well since October,” he said. “If donations keep up, we’ll continue to do well.”

Residents who want to donate items to the store can do so during store hours. Phillips said the city is requesting that items not be left in front of the store. “We don’t want to see the parking lot turned into a junk yard,” he said.

Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. America’s Thrift Stores will also come pick up items to be donated. To schedule a pickup, call 856-1234.

For more information about the store, visit www.americasthrift.com.