NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2011
Goodwill Celebrates Grand Opening of Manchester Store and Donation Center
New store features donation drive thru; offers superior shopping experience
Manchester, NH – Goodwill Industries of Northern New England invites shoppers and donors to the Grand Opening celebration of its new Manchester store and donation center on Thursday, September 22 at 9 a.m. Celebration activities include a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 am, door prizes and weekend-long raffle. Customers will also have the opportunity to learn about Goodwill’s programs in New Hampshire that help strengthen communities and get people back to work.
The new Manchester store and donation center is located in the former bingo hall at 165 John E. Devine Road, next to Hannaford and near the Mall of New Hampshire. Shoppers will enjoy a totally renovated building that features a convenient donation drive-thru and several environmentally-friendly aspects, including an energy-efficient HVAC system, polished concrete floors (which eliminates the need for harsh chemical cleaners) and large windows to reduce electricity use. The building is also engineered for Energy Star compliance, which means Goodwill will be able to apply for Energy Star status after one year of operation
The new store also accepts used computer equipment through the ReConnect computer recycling program. Since the program launched in 2009, Goodwill has kept over three million pounds of computers and related equipment out of the landfill.
The building is 19,250 square feet, with nearly 14,000 square feet dedicated to retail sales. The remaining square footage will be used for donations processing and offices. Randy Finamore, Senior Vice President of Retail, notes that the store location offers great accessibility. “The new store offers ease of access for shoppers and donors. Ample parking, location on a bus route and a drive thru donation center makes the store fully accessible to members of the greater Manchester community.” The store is located on the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) Route 12, South Beech Street/Mall of NH line.
The new store will feature a wide variety of donated goods – whether one is looking for unique treasure or a fabulous new outfit, the store will feature clothing, jewelry, books, household items, and furniture, as well as a limited selection of new items to create a complete shopping experience. Shoppers and donors can read about fashion tips, shopping advice and project ideas on Goodwill’s “Thrifting Adventures” blog at www.goodwillnne.org/blog. Store and donation center hours are Monday through Saturday 9 am – 9 pm and Sunday 10 am – 7 pm.
“We are thrilled to be in the Manchester community,” noted Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England. “Our retail stores are vital in supporting Goodwill’s mission to help people reach their fullest potential through the power of work. Revenue from our stores is invested in programs that help New Hampshire citizens find employment and strengthen our local communities.” The new Manchester Goodwill store will employ nearly 60 full and part time staff.
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Goodwill Industries of Northern New England has a 78-year history of providing innovative services that eliminate barriers to opportunity and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work. We serve individuals through job training and placement, career counseling, family strengthening services, youth employment opportunities, brain injury programs, and other community support services for people with disabilities. Our programs are funded by revenue from our 26 retail stores, grants, fees, and financial gifts. Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.
Thrifting Adventures Blog: www.goodwillnne.org/blog
Facebook: & Twitter ID: goodwillnne
Contact: Michelle Smith, Communications Manager
michelle.smith@goodwillnne.org
(207) 699-0724
Cell: (207) 239-7225
Goodwill Celebrates Grand Opening of Manchester Store & Donation Center http://t.co/ecDyInx #donate #newhampshire
Join us TOMORROW (9/22/2011) with Governor Lynch at the grand opening of our Manchester store on 165 John E…. http://t.co/jg5jMRS3