Next To New Store builds on St. Paul's community-focused volunteerism.
Beautiful, new sturdy furniture fills the Next To New Store Warehouse, with everything from solid oak buffets, hutches and matching tables to wrought iron baker racks and coffee table sets up for sale at half the cost one would expect at a retail store.
“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It just kind of happened out of the blue,&” said manager Tammy Yuschyshyn, explaining that last year, she heard from a connection that a storage facility was looking to liquidate furniture. She viewed the furniture and Next To New Store decided to purchase these brand new, high quality goods, bringing four semi-loads to St. Paul.
Now, the Next To New Store is looking to move on these pieces, selling them for a fraction of what it would cost at any other retail store, as Yuschyshyn explains, “We have priced everything for liquidation clear-out.&”
Prices are 50 per cent to 75 per cent lower than regular retail prices for similar quality solid wood furniture. Other items include bookshelves, dressers and several futons, with special features like built-in magazine racks.
While the deals are not to be missed, people purchasing furniture are also contributing to a good cause, in supporting St. Paul Abilities Network (SPAN) clients.
“We are a social enterprise, which is key,&” said Yuschyshyn, explaining that the profits from the business support programming for people with disabilities, which is how SPAN is reducing its dependence on government funding and taxpayers.
“Our money goes back into serving the people in our community.&”
Several individuals with disabilities volunteer in the store, contributing to the community and developing social and work skills.
Among the volunteers is Raymond Berlinguette, a member of SPAN’s Strides program. Among Next to New’s social goals is to work on recycling and reducing waste, and Berlinguette says he helps with this recycling program.
“It’s for my mental health, and the girls appreciate our help,&” he said, explaining that helping to volunteer makes him feel “complete.&”
“St. Paul was built on volunteerism, for our children, and for our clubs,&” he said, adding, “It’s very rewarding when we get recognized.&”
Next to New also supports the community in other ways, supplying clothing to women in need at the crisis centre, donating goods to people who have been victims of crime or crisis, including the Fort McMurray and Slave Lake fires, and donating to schools and local fundraisers.
People can check out samples of the assembled furniture at the Next To New Store Warehouse in St. Paul.
Among the goals for the store, says Yuschyshyn is “to offer the community as a whole, an affordable, diverse, unique shopping experience.&” By shopping at and supporting the Next To New Store, you are giving back, and assisting our vulnerable population in their goals to contribute in a meaningful way to our community.
