Repurposing a Space Brings New Life to a Retail Thrift Store

Earlier this year, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont set out on a bold vision to open 25 new stores in the next five years—expanding its footprint to bring jobs, job training, and workforce services to the local communities it serves.

In Shelby, NC, Goodwill has been a community staple for 22 years. Last August, the store relocated less than a mile down the street to a space formerly occupied by Lidl. The move made the new location one of the largest Goodwill retail stores in the nation.

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting repurposed the vacant building into a new concept store for Goodwill. In addition to the traditional drive-up donation drop-off and shopping, it features a 1,000-square-foot community room, a locally owned café, a children’s play area, and an entire electronics and gaming section hosted by tech store, The GRID: Powered by Goodwill.

On the morning of the grand opening, more than 300 customers lined up as early as 4:00 a.m. to experience the new store—and the excitement hasn’t waned in the months following. Astonishingly, it’s not just the local community rallying around the store. Goodwill Shelby has become a destination for thrift shop thrill seekers, with many customers traveling from surrounding areas and beyond.

“I spent two hours there and enjoyed every minute. It’s over an hour away from home, but well worth it for the shopping experience,” shared customer Barbie Hendricks.

The new space has reinvigorated how Goodwill Shelby connects with the community and pursues its mission. Through the community room and by supporting local entrepreneurs like Big Red’s Café, the organization has deepened its connections with those it serves. Additionally, because the new store consistently generates over 25% more revenue than the former location, Goodwill can reinvest those resources into its programs and services, increasing its community impact.