Thrift Shop CWU has officially reopened and expanded its building in Carbondale, welcoming the community to explore its new space. The shop, which transformed a long-abandoned building next door into their expanded shop, is the vision of manager Corey Frisby, who was currently out due to having a new baby. 

Hannah Maulding, the assistant manager, shared some background about the store’s creation. “Corey has been working on this for at least two years. He convinced our board it was a good idea, and after a long renovation process, we’re finally officially open,” Maulding said.. “The goal is to have more space for merchandise so we can better serve the community.”

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Originally from California, Maulding said she moved to Carbondale and wanted a sense of belonging. “I always loved thrifting, and when I saw they were hiring, I thought I’d give it a shot. The people here are really nice, and now it feels like home to me,” she said.

The thrill of thrift shopping is what Maulding enjoys most. “You never know what you’ll find here. You can discover vintage items from the ‘20s or ’80s, and even new products at a lower price. It’s like a treasure hunt,” she said.

“We’re friendly here, and many of our customers are regulars. We know them by name, and they know us. Some have been coming for years,” she said. “It’s nice to see those connections grow.”

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The store frequently provides support to individuals in need of clothing or blankets. They aided a woman transitioning into housing by helping her secure essential items for her family. It’s fulfilling to realize they’re making a positive impact.

When discussing the store’s impact on the community, Maulding said how it serves as a gathering space. “With the new expansion, people come in to hang out, enjoy our art installations, or play video games, even if they don’t plan to shop. It’s a place for people to connect,” she said.

Maulding described the shop to someone unfamiliar with it. “It’s colorful and a bit crowded, but in a good way.!  We often tell customers to take their time because there’s so much to discover here,” she said.

Encouraging community donations is also a priority for Thrift Shop CWU. “We want people to know that what they donate here goes back into the community. It’s about helping those in need, not just making a profit,” Maulding said.

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