My Sister’s Place, the Ansonia family thrift shop closed for more than a month due to smoke damage from a fire at a neighboring business, will reopen Monday (April 29) at 9 a.m.
The store got a new paint job last week, store manager Nancy Cahoon said Wednesday (April 24) morning, and more work was being done as she spoke.
“I’m trapped in my office,” Cahoon said. “They’re putting the carpet in and there’s glue on the floor. But at least I’m getting some work done.”
The store, which benefits BHcare’s Center for Domestic Violence Services, has been closed since March 11 due to a fire at a nightclub next door.
In the weeks since Cahoon said donations have poured in from throughout the Valley.
“Donations are outstanding. We have so much, so our store will be packed,” she said.
Cahoon said volunteers would be busy all weekend setting up the store for customers again.
That will mean the store’s donation center will be closed on the inside of the store, she said, but people can still drop off donations in bins placed at the rear entrance of the business on West Main Street.
Clothing that sustained smoke damage during the fire is due back at the store Friday from the cleaners, Cahoon said, and staff members will inspect the items to make sure they’re still suitable.
All of the household items in the store have also been cleaned professionally, Cahoon said.
Plus, the store has plenty of new items — and Cahoon said her regular customers can’t wait to get at them.
“People have just been more than generous to help us get ready, and our customers are very very anxious,” she said. “It’s amazing how many people you see out and about in the community saying ‘when are you going to open?’”
A “Grand Re-Opening” is scheduled for May 4, she said.