The Salvation Army Opens New Store In Wenatchee, WA
The Salvation Army unveiled its new store in Wenatchee, WA, with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 7, at 10:00am. Mayor Frank Kuntz joined the festivities. The new store is an expanded and upgraded version of the organization’s famous thrift stores.
The new store is located at 1219 North Wenatchee Avenue, and replaces the smaller store on North Miller. With twice as much selling space (17,150 sq feet), the new store contains more floor space for organized presentation of items. An extensive processing space is located on the lower level (15,000 sq ft) for organizing donations and preparing them for sale. Store shopping hours are 9am to 6pm Monday through Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.
The Salvation Army has a long history of hosting thrift stores. The money raised in its stores helps funds the local programs and services offered to families in need in the local community. For example, the money raised by sales from the new store will help fund The Salvation Army location in Wenatchee.
“More space means more product and more sales,” explained Captain Frank Desplancke of the Wenatchee Corps. “The sales from our thrift store in Wenatchee directly impact our ability to provide services in the community. If we sell more merchandise, we can expand our programs and help more people.”
The Salvation Army Wenatchee Corps has provided services to needy members of the community since 1908. Last year, more than 8,600 people were helped by the Wenatchee Corps – including more than 5,000 meals served to hungry neighbors, more than 4,000 bags of groceries given to families in need, and nearly 5,500 gifts given to kids and families at Christmas.
The new store will be managed by long-time employee Brandon Booth, with Loriel Stutzman as assistant manager, and will employ four full-time and twelve part-time employees. Store shopping hours are 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday. Donations will be accepted at the store from 8am to 4pm Monday through Saturday. The thrift store will be closed on Sundays.
Shoppers can take a break from bargain hunting at the store’s café, operated by Tully’s Coffee. The café will sell freshly brewed coffee, espresso beverages, and pastries.
David Pusczcewicz is Director of Retail for The Salvation Army Northwest Division and oversees stores in Washington, Northern Idaho, and Western Montana. “The Wenatchee store will reflect our new vision for Salvation Army thrift stores,” he explained. “The store will be bright, neat, and welcoming – a change from the reputation of thrift stores. After Wenatchee, we hope to roll out this new brand to the other 12 stores in our region.”
In addition to the sales of items at the store, The Salvation Army needs monetary donations to continue its work in Wenatchee. Donations can be made in person at the Social Services office (1205 S. Columbia St. Wenatchee, WA, 98801) or online at HERE.