New thrift store coming to renovated Fairview Heights building
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is preparing to open a Thrift Store and Donation Center in Crossroads Centre at 10850 Lincoln Trail, suite 2, in Fairview Heights.
The national organization’s thrift stores provide “meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities,” according to its website. Profits from these stores “contribute millions of dollars for Councils and Conferences to use in their communities.”
Jeffrey Beamguard, Director of Stores Support for St. Vincent de Paul said the store should be open by spring.
“We are hoping to start the demo of the interior on (Dec. 1). That will take approximately one month,” he said.
Construction will start on Jan. 1 and finish in March. From there, Beamguard said, “it will take 5-6 weeks to stock the store with a projected opening in May.”
The application to the City of Fairview Heights for a special use permit states that the new store will employ 15-20 full and part-time staff.
Beamguard said they will hire up to 20 people starting Jan. 1.
The opening and operation of the new store will be overseen by National Store Support Manager Jim Conley, according to a Nov. 1 release on the organization’s website.
The thrift store will also serve as another location for “Conference and Council Stores leaders to come and learn best practices to take back to their thrift stores,” stated the release.
During the demolition and construction of the new store, donations will be accepted at the old Sally Beauty several doors down from the thrift store, Conley wrote in an email to the BND.
The donation site is in suite 7 next to the U.S. Post Office and has signs in the windows.
Accepted items include men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, accessories, housewares (pots, pans, dishes, decorations, etc.).
Also accepted is furniture including couches, chairs, dining sets, recliners, bedroom sets. Mattresses will not be accepted, however.
All donated items should be in good condition with no stains, rips, tears or other damage.
Donations can currently be dropped off at the former beauty supply shop 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
For more information about The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, visit ssvpusa.org.
