Commonplace Growth Spurt

“Ever since Common Cupboard began we often talked about starting a thrift store to help maintain and increase our efforts,” said Debra Adams, Common Things Thrift Store Shop Keeper. And in May 2011, this idea came to fruition at 116 Business Park Drive in Indian Trail, N.C. “The front of the building was perfect for the store, and the warehouse in the back became the Cupboard’s processing and donation area. We started with just a handful of volunteers.” Deb knew they would need more volunteers and ongoing donations, and her prayer was answered, fast!

“The donations came in quicker than we had room for so we were continually adding more shelving, clothing rods, tables and bins,” said Deb, “[but] the store went from eclectic to cluttered.” She knew it was time for a change when she noticed a difference in the customers’ shopping experience. Not to mention that Keith Adams, executive director, was still housing his office and running Common Cupboard under the same roof. Needless to say, it was a huge blessing when the space adjacent to The Commonplace became available.

Staff and volunteers are already enjoying the extra leg room. The 700 square feet of new office space is backed by Bill’s Garage (formerly the “Man Cave”) and a processing area totaling 1100 square feet for the store. A renovated Common Things Thrift Store – which now totals 2200 square feet full of brand new merchandise – takes up the preexisting area. Common Cupboard’s 1100 square foot warehouse stayed put

 “The biggest advantage to me personally was the desperately needed processing space.  We had been tightly squeezed into an area that was not designed for sorting, cleaning or pricing, and we had to constantly shuffle items back and forth every Thursday and Friday to accommodate the functions of the Cupboard,” Deb said. This was costing the nonprofit many valuable man hours. “None of this is possible without our wonderfully talented, hard-working volunteers. We are so thankful to them for all they do.”

While there are still installations and other work to be done, the new space it already making a big difference. Volunteers and donations of gently used items are always needed. The store is open Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and sells everything from common things – like books, tools and clothing – to antiques and treasures. To help at Common Things Thrift Store, contact Deb at commonthingsthriftstore@gmail.com.

This is just one of many exciting things happening at Common Heart over the next year, so stay tuned!