Brand new name and look for YWCA’s thrift store

The Grand Opening of the newly-named and redecorated Encore Market took place on September 21, with an enthusiastic crowd of shoppers, media, staff, and YWCA clients on hand.

Closed for several weeks for renovations in the summer months, the former Anything Goes store reopened with a larger inventory, better selection, and a brighter environment.

But the purpose behind the store remains the same. Run entirely on a volunteer basis, the store’s behind-the-scenes mission is to provide no- and low-cost clothing and household goods to women and children who are in transition. Every day, YWCA clients from My Aunt’s Place homeless shelter and Isabel Johnson Shelter for women fleeing domestic violence access essential goods that help them to start new homes and new lives.

In addition, Encore Market provides exceptional value and a great shopping environment to customers from the community, whatever their income or circumstances. Store profits directly benefit YWCA programs for women, children, youth, and families.

Encore Market’s inventory is supplied entirely by donations of goods from the community.

Plans to renovate and renew the Anything Goes store began in the fall of 2015 with YWCA’s participation in the Affinity Credit Union Business for Good crowdfunding campaign. The campaign raised $10,000 from more than 500 community donations. Donors also had opportunity to vote on the store’s new name.