Our Thrift Store is seeking a permanent new home, as the property owners look toward redeveloping the strip center where the store has been located for the past 15 years.
Our Thrift Store is owned and operated by the GEAR Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing work experiences for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to develop their unique characteristics and achieve the highest degree of independence and self-respect. Dave Krikac, founder and president of the GEAR Foundation and Our Thrift Store, wants the community to know that they are looking for a partner that will allow them to continue serving both their employees and the underprivileged populations in middle Tennessee.
“We owe so much of our success to the community that has supported us for so long, and that includes our longtime landlords,” said Krikac. “As we begin to implement our plans, we want to get the word out publicly so that our strong supporters know, and to the extent they feel led, that they can help us in the acquisition of a new location for this move. We anticipate that relocation will happen no later than December 31, 2019.”
“Our Thrift Store has been a valued tenant for the past 15 years and we were happy to extend their lease, which was set to expire on April 30, 2019, to December 31, 2019. There are no current plans for redeveloping the site, though we are always looking at opportunities as they become available,” said Jimmy Granbery, Chairman & CEO, H.G. Hill Realty Company
The GEAR Foundation is dedicated to developing a mutually beneficial relationship between people with disabilities and their communities. Our Thrift Store exemplifies this mission by employing disabled young adults that the GEAR Foundation trains and serves.
Not only does the community benefit from low-priced items from clothing to books and appliances, but the store has created 25 ongoing jobs for young adults with disabilities. In addition, 100 percent of the store’s proceeds go back into the GEAR Foundation’s services, allowing the non-profit to expand their programs and create more jobs as they grow in size and scope.
“We are confident that this is a great opportunity for everyone involved, and that the right location will present itself,” Krikac said. “Whether it’s an existing storefront or new construction, we’re looking for ideas and welcome anyone who loves what we’re doing to get in touch.”
To learn more about Our Thrift Store or to share relocation insight, please contact Dave Krikac directly at (615) 473-1386.
About Our Thrift Store
Our Thrift Store trains and employs disabled young adults to operate a shop that offers the community low-priced, gently-used items including clothing, books, appliances and more. By giving young adults the opportunity to work in a warm and friendly public setting, the program has a tremendous impact in improving their self-image and boosting confidence. Most importantly, this business provides real hope for an independent life beyond an educational setting.
