Edmonton thrift store grand opening

September 26, 2012 | God at work in the World | Number 19
By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld | AB Correspondent
Store manager, Bryan Heidebrecht (L), and board member Harvey Friesen, hold a ribbon made of thrift store ties at the grand opening of the new location for Edmonton’s Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Store.

Even with a 50-percent-off deal store-wide, Edmonton’s Mennonite Central Committee Thrift store had record sales at its official grand opening. On an average day 60 customers walk through the door and spend about $550.00. On Sept. 15, 211 customers left $1,965.00 at the till. Operating in North Edmonton since 2003, the store moved to its current location at 9251, 34 Avenue, in June of 2012. Store manager, Bryan Heidebrecht, noted a number of reasons for the move including the lease being up, a desire to increase profitability for MCC, and the fact that most volunteers are in the south part of the city. Asked about his hopes, Heidebrecht laughed and said; “My hopes are that we are way too busy and don’t have enough space! The goal is to give money to MCC.”

Susan Reynar, the Alberta Thrift Shop Coordinator for MCC, commented on the store’s proximity to a Value Village just a block away. “Anyone can set up a thrift shop. It’s our ‘why’ that’s different, that sets us apart,” Reynar said. Since 1972, Thrift Shops across Canada and the United States have raised more than $167,144,871 to support MCC’s humanitarian work.

Store manager, Bryan Heidebrecht (L), and board member Harvey Friesen, hold a ribbon made of thrift store ties at the grand opening of the new location for Edmonton’s Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Store.

Pastors from a variety of Mennonite churches read blessings as part of a service of dedication for the Edmonton Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Shop. Pastor Kerry Dyck, of the River West Christian Church, blesses store manager Bryan Heidebrecht in front of his office.

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Comments

Dear Bryan, you know me by seeing me; my friend and I shop your store weekly. I once bought a single bed for my son from you as well. Today I have to commend two of your employees, the two gentlemen who came to collect furniture from my father's place yesterday in Capilano. We donated approximately 10 furniture items, and they were also kind enough to take another 4 items to the Eco Station for us.
I can't thank them enough for their kindness and hard work! It saved me and my 84-year-old father much stress, as the situation was difficult enough being that he was transferring to an assisted-living residence and getting rid of items full of memories. Please make sure they are commended for an excellent job!

Sincerely,
Wendy Sands

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