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Valley Industries Thrift Store is located at 143 James S. McDonnell Blvd. in Hazelwood.
Valley Industries’ Thrift Shop Is Hidden Gem In Hazelwood
Story and Photos by Nichole Richardson
In 2020’s world of online shopping and immediate gratification, many local and nationwide brick-and-mortar stores have had to close their doors because of the fierce competition. Fortunately, for those businesses that have developed a personalized niche, times are thriving. And times are a’thriving for Valley Industries Thrift Store.
This hidden gem is based right across from Boeing, at 143 James S. McDonnell Blvd. in Hazelwood, just east of the Lindbergh and McDonnell intersection. It is the lessor-known twin to Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop, sitting in the same lot, and specializes in the niche of love, coupled with some really great bargains!
What once started out as an idea of a rummage sale to ensure that workshop workers would remain employed during the recession, evolved into the 4000 sq. foot retail space that now includes three employees, one volunteer manager, and 15 volunteer staffers.
“Most of the volunteers have kids who work at the Shelter next door,” explained Katy Moran, a 10-year volunteer. Christine Gunn has been a workshop, and now thrift store employee, for 25 years in November and her mother, Margaret Gunn, has been volunteering for five years and also serves on Valley Industries’ Board of Directors as well. Mary Beth Webb has been with VI for 45 years. Ten-year-volunteer Becky Thoene hand-built display shelves and a room divider for the shop. “It’s like a family,” said volunteer manager Linda Spencer. “We have regulars too…some of the guys from Boeing come in twice a day!”
Rachel Scott Carson is a Valley Industries Thrift Shop regular who comes in as often as she can. “I really like what they do for the community,” said Scott Carson. “And it’s so nice and so clean. Really a blessing to the community.” Valley Industries partnered with Northview High School (SSD), who launders all the clothing donations. “It teaches life skills and they price, tag, launder, and size for us. They usually end up working for Valley Industries once they are 21,” said Valley Industries Employee Service Provider, Teri Wilson.\
Though the shop is a bit secluded, located in the industrial part of Hazelwood, it has become a second home to those who know it. For the past 10 years it has provided an additional source of revenue for Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop.
THRIFT STORE OFFERS NEW AND USED
ITEMS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
And most importantly—an opportunity for the community to interact with workers with developmental disabilities; all while giving its patrons superb deals on items such as clothing, furniture, décor, jewelry, and just about anything else you can imagine.
“It absolutely fascinates me, what you can find here. With Boeing next door, I have seen donations come in from France and Israel. All over,” said Valley Industries Marketing Director, Jerry Hart.
Donations come in not only from the public, but from local vendors who partner with Valley Industries Workshop as well. Household Essentials, Hope Glass, and Tag Logistics are just a few of the companies who donate brand new or upscale items to the shop. Teri Wilson recalled the days when the thrift store was born. “It was just a big rummage sale with flat tables everywhere in this empty building. We didn’t even have plastic bags for check out—people had to donate them!”
And as they say, the rest is history. Now the store is open five days a week, all from word-of-mouth and has even helped to refurnish a worker’s burnt down house. Most clothing prices start at just .50 cents, but one can also find specialty items such as an old Vita CoCo palette display for $10, or a brand new see-through ice cooler on a wheeled stand for only $80.
“There are not many thrift stores in the area that offer brand new items at these prices,” explained Valley Industries Executive Director, Jim Guyre. “Every little bit helps our cause and our community. We are mission driven and every purchase and every donation helps to support the employment of 200 people,” said Guyre.
Valley Industries Thrift Store does accept credit and debit cards and also has a 24-hour, well-lit donation shed located behind the building. “We try and make it as convenient as possible, even though we are a not-for-profit,” said Guyre.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Valley Industries Thrift Store, please contact Teri Wilson at 314-731-1771. Volunteers are needed to sort, price, and clean items. A background check is required of all volunteers.
Valley Industries is having their annual Shamrock Mayors’ Ball this Saturday, March 7 at Delmar Gardens North Villas.
