Value Village a hit with bargain shoppers
KRISTI PATTON - Thu Aug 4th, 2011 2:00pm
A lineup of about 80 people anxiously awaited for the doors to officially open to Penticton’s Value Village on Thursday morning.
Shoppers, almost all pushing carts, made their way in at 9 a.m. to the 24,675 square foot store that was fully stocked with clothes, housewares, shoes and electronics.
Jerry Vakenti was the first shopper through the cash register, purchasing a couple of books, an antique looking calendar/clock and framed prints.
“They have quite a bit of unique stuff and you can get a good deal,” said Vakenti.
Peggy Peterson was one of the first people in line and had been waiting to get in the doors since 7:35 a.m. She works in the Medicine Hat, Alta. Value Village store and even though she was on vacation in Penticton she wanted to make sure she came to the grand opening. Peterson believes the store will do well at this location...
...Value Village stocks more than 5,000 new items daily and has more than 100,000 unique items on the sales floor at any given time, ensuring customers continuously find a refreshed assortment of quality, value goods. The Penticton store has items that were donated locally, from Kelowna and Vancouver. The store also houses a Community Donation Centre, providing a convenient place for residents to drop off their reusable clothing and household goods free of charge. Value Village will pay Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Okanagan for every donated item, turning otherwise unused goods into sustainable revenue that supports their programs and services in the local community. Big Brothers Big Sisters programs match children with screened and trained volunteer Big Brothers or Sisters that offer friendship, guidance and fun for the child...
...The new store comes in conjunction with the ever-increasing thrift shopping trend, which is one of the fastest growing retail segments. Lifestyle, economy and social trends have contributed to the growth, including the popularity of do-it-yourself projects, renewed interest in vintage clothing, and importantly, environmentally and budget-conscientious consumers. Last year alone, Value Village and its non-profit partners kept more than 500 million pounds of unused goods from ending up in landfills.
From the Penticton Western News