Salvation Army thrift store in Macon to reopen Saturday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Salvation Army is reopening its Mercer University Drive thrift store this weekend.

“All new material in the store. Furniture, clothing, children’s section,” explained Major Andrew Gilliam, the Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army of Central Georgia.

That’s just the beginning of the updated Macon store.

“Back in August, we began looking at our thrift stores in the area and the suggestion was made that the team from Atlanta, who does that around the country, come to Macon and help us out,” said Major Gilliam.

Five weeks of hard work paid off. Now painters are putting the finishing touches on the outside, while employees set up merchandise on the inside.

“It’s not only been a face lift of the store itself, but it’s been an internal change as well,” explained Major Gilliam.

Major Gilliam thinks customers will be pleased with the restructured processes inside the store.

“We’ve actually become a little more detailed with out sections so that when folks come in, if they have an idea of what they’re looking for, they can go directly to it rather than mill around the store trying to figure out where things are,” explained Major Gilliam.

Fresh paint, new items and even a new name are part of the store’s upgrades.

“For a long time, the stores were called thrift stores and the Salvation Army has renamed it to the family store,” said Major Gilliam.

Because it has everything a family needs. 

“Household items, appliances, furniture, clothes. Things that will help around the house,” explained Major Gilliam.

It’s a change the Salvation Army can’t wait to show off.

“We’ll have a ceremony prior to opening the doors at 9. There will be food and there will be door prizes given out hourly to those that are shopping there so come around, stick around and you could find yourself walking away with some free items,” said Major Gilliam.

There are three Salvation Army thrift stores in our area. Two in Macon and one in Warner Robins.