Dégagé opens Thrift on Div Store
Dégagé Ministries recently opened its new Thrift on Div store at 140 S. Division Ave. The store offers new and gently used women and men's fashions and will feature artwork and crafts by Heartside artisans, provide an unparalleled shopping experience and employment through Dégagé's Workforce Development Program.The store will be open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as Thursday evenings 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the anticipation of additional hours in the spring.
The interior design of Thrift on Div is the vision of Workforce Development Coordinator, Stacy Postma, who has extensive retail and education experience.
"We wanted to create a space where members of the community would feel special, important and loved," said Postma. "The inspiration centered around décor that embraces the old through repurposed pieces such as a vintage cash register, antique radio and repurposed theatre seats."
"We are thrilled to share this beautiful store with the community," said Thelma Ensink, executive director for Dégagé Ministries. "Each detail in this store has been carefully tended to by people who know what it is like not to have a place to call home. It is a place where all, regardless of socioeconomic status, are welcome to participate in this unique shopping experience together, and where each sale restores hope to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in Grand Rapids."
Boutique owners from JB and Me, and Lee and Birch donated fixtures, mannequins and displays, while personal stylist Cari Wolters offered jewelry and women's attire that can be worn for job interviews. Proceeds from Thrift on Div will benefit programs at Dégagé Ministries. Donations of new or gently used items can be made by visiting www.degageministries.org.
