St. Joseph Goodwill reopens after renovations

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph Goodwill held a grand reopening ceremony Thursday morning, complete with a blue ribbon cutting, donuts and coupons for shoppers.

After lengthy renovations to the store, including new fixtures, lighting, painting and products, the Goodwill of St. Joseph, located at 3615 Faraon St., celebrated its grand reopening on Thursday, May 22.

"The store needed a refresh," Kelly Garrett, chief operations officer for Goodwill, said. "The store has been here for over 20 years and we felt a need to just refresh the store (and) modernize the store."

The renovation moved offices in the store, enhanced the employee break room and added an additional restroom for customers. The thrift store saw the renovation as an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported them for over two decades.

"The community supported us wholeheartedly over the last 20 years, so we get a lot of donations here from the community, we turn those donations into revenue, which supports our mission," Garrett said. "Our mission is to just give folks a hand up, to help them to get a better job…so the revenue we make in these stores goes back to that mission for our agency."

The store remained open during the renovation process, which Garrett said was thanks to the general contractor, Larry Goforth, the Goodwill team members and the loyal customers.

"It's been really challenging and our customers have been very loyal for us," he said. "They're still showing up even though we're making it a little messy and loud for them, but it's been great. The community supports us wholeheartedly and we really appreciate them."

As a sign of that appreciation, the first 25 shoppers on Thursday received an additional 25% off their purchase, refreshments and donuts. Everyone after the initial 25 shoppers will receive 10% off their purchase all through Thursday.