After 12 years at its old location on Main Street, the Eudora Thrift Store now calls a new location home.
Last week, it moved to 112 E. 10th St. next to Charritos Plaza. Owner Andrea Starr said a move was overdue because the former building was old and too small.
“We needed a bigger building that was more spacious, you know, for the community,” Starr said. “It was really tight over there and hard to shop, so this is more open where you can see things better, too.”
She also said the new building is in a better location because there’s more traffic than on Main Street. She plans to put in a ramp to make it accessible to people with disabilities.
Starr, her partner Allen Williams and seven volunteers worked together to move all the merchandise from the old location to the new one. Starr said it took 20 16-foot trailers to move everything.
One of the new additions to the store is a “Guy Room” that Starr said has tools and hiking gear.
“In the old store, we only had, like, one shelf with tools,” Starr said. “Now, they have a whole room for hunting equipment, like clothing, stuff like that.”
Starr said they also have a new furniture room. She said everybody has loved the new building so far.
“This whole week, we’ve been really, super busy,” Starr said.
Brynn Lorenz has been a longtime customer of the Thrift Store. She said she always comes back because of the exceptional customer service.
She said she loves the new building.
“She’s well deserving of a bigger space,” Lorenz said. “I’m really happy for her and her expansion, and I hope that the community comes out and supports her as well.”
Starr said the Thrift Store plans to soon start selling used appliances, like washing machines and refrigerators. She also said Williams will be available for service calls. Those interested can call 816-536-3739.
“My other half has done that for 30 years, and we weren’t able to do that out of the other building because it was so small,” Starr said.
The appliances will be kept downstairs, Starr said. She also said they will begin taking donations in the basement, too. In the old location, the doorways weren’t big enough to accept couch and other furniture donations.
Starr said the Thrift Store has “anything that anyone needs to start an apartment.”
“With the economy right now and everything, our prices are cheaper than, like, the Goodwill, the Salvation Army,” Starr said. “We try to keep our prices really reasonable for people so they can afford the things that they need – or want. Either one.”
Lorenz said the Thrift Store has “really good quality items that are really good affordable prices.”
Starr said everything she does is for the community.
“I just want to tell this whole community thank you for the support down there for 12 years,” Starr said. “We hope to see them here at the new place for a really long time.”
The Thrift Store has increased its hours. It is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
It is also looking for volunteers to help run the shop. Those interested can call or text 816-337-2451.
The old location of the Thrift Store on Main Street is owned by Farmers State Bank. Grant High, assistant vice president of the bank, said management has plans to make the property more attractive soon, but he’s not aware of the details.
Reach Bella Waters at [email protected].
