The old JC Penney outlet store in Sparks is about to become a huge thrift store, with more than 30,000 square feet of floor space. "We're going to be expanding our St. Vincent's thrift shop and open a second location on Glendale Avenue in Sparks," said Auburn Harrison, who is the director of marketing for Catholic Charities, which runs the St. Vincent's programs in Northern Nevada.
St. Vincent's plans to take over the huge space this spring and make it a bargain shopper's destination. The current store on 4th Street in Reno will stay open for shoppers who are looking for everything from kitchen equipment to furniture.
The money raised at the St. Vincent's thrift stores funds other charitable programs to help local people in need. St. Vincent's provides about 350,000 services a year—including helping people who are transitioning into housing and need dishes and pots and pans. The charity also distributes food, clothing and blankets as part of its social service outreach.
The Reno thrift store currently provides about 13% of the budget for St. Vincent's programs. Opening a larger store is expected to bring in more revenue, and provide a place for bargain hunters. "We're trying to not only appeal to people who want to shop at thrift stores, but also who want to donate items, knowing that whatever they donate is going to a really, really good cause," said Harrison.
The mega-thrift store should be open by Memorial Day.
