New metro-east thrift store is packed with thousands of square feet of deals. Take a look
If you haven’t been to the new St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Fairview Heights since it opened last month, you could be missing out on some great bargains.
I visited the store for its grand opening and ribbon-cutting event, and I have to say, there’s a lot to see in the more than 12,000-square-foot store.
The store offers a great deal of clothing for women, men and children, shoes, bags, jewelry and other accessories as well as books, toys, electronics, furniture, mattresses, bedding and many, many household goods.
Fun items I spied include a Barbie dream house and a full-sized air hockey table.
The store is a collector’s dream. Collect coffee mugs? They have a lot. The same goes for shot glasses, figurines, Beanie Babies, little ceramic bells, baseball cards and a variety of knickknacks.
And much more.
It was hard not to shop while I was there to work, especially when I saw the shelves of books at the back.
St. Vincent de Paul celebrated the store’s grand opening Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Shoppers were on site, lined up and ready to shop well before the ceremony.
Part of the festivities included a Bible reading by the Rev. Ken York, who then blessed the group of participants and onlookers, myself included.
I got a little holy water in my eye, but it could’ve been worse.
Rev. York then went inside and walked around, blessing the entire store as shoppers browsed around him.
Also in attendance were David Barringer, chief executive officer of the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul; Jeff Beamguard, director of stores support; Jim Conley, national store support manager; store manager Dennis Chaney and Pat Hogrebe, executive director of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Belleville/East St. Louis Council.
Fairview Heights Ward III alderpersons Brenda Wagner and Barb Brumfield were also present.
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is located at 10850 Lincoln Trail, Suite 2, in Fairview Heights.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Donations are accepted 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
For more info, call 618-270-3453.
