FARGO-A fourth secondhand store has opened along the stretch of 32nd Avenue South between 25th Street and University Drive. A Goodwill Retail Store joins Heirlooms, My Best Friend's Closet and the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Store.
Proceeds from the store support programs of Easter Seals Goodwill ND that benefit children and adults affected by disabilities or other special needs. For example, the organization provides direct support professionals who go into people's homes to provide relief to parents or other caregivers so they can run errands or simply get a break.
Chris Franz, marketing coordinator for Easter Seals Goodwill ND, said they felt the location would do well with other thrift and consignment stores nearby.
"I think this is a place where a lot of people come to thrift shop. It's a good location for that," he said.
This is the nonprofit's second Fargo location. In September, a store opened at 4325 13th Ave. S. Goodwill stores are also located in Grand Forks, Bismarck, Jamestown and Minot, N.D.
ADVERTISEMENT
The stores rely on donations bolstered by annual Goodwill sales held each fall at Herberger's stores where customers get coupons in exchange for donated items.
Franz said the stores sell a little bit of everything, but the primary focus is clothing.
"We take a lot of pride in our clothing in our stores," Franz said. "We have really, really great clothing."
He said the selection is constantly being rotated. After a month, any item that has not sold is marked down to half-price. If it's still there after another week, it is marked down to $1. If it still doesn't sell, it's taken off the shelf entirely.
"It's very fresh, very new. It's just one of those things that are neat at Goodwill stores. It's a little different than some of the other thrift stores," he said.
East regional manager Jodi Hodny said business has been great so far.
"We've had amazing, just great feedback from our customers and donors. We really cater to them. We try to make donations as easy as possible and we also try to keep our store clean and smelling good," she said. "That's the main thing. It's organized and clean. That's what they really like."
BUSINESS PROFILE
ADVERTISEMENT
What: Goodwill Retail Store
Where: 1525 32nd Ave. S., Fargo
Phone: (701) 566-8511
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
