LifePath Hospice Holds Grand Opening for New Brandon Thrift Store

Savvy shoppers across Hillsborough County know that the LifePath Hospice thrift stores are the place to go for fabulous finds at practical prices. Now, residents in the Brandon area won’t have to travel to South Tampa or Carrollwood to find those great deals. On September 23, staff and volunteers held a grand opening to mark the start of business for the newest LifePath Hospice Thrift Store, located at 1335 West Brandon Boulevard in Brandon Plaza. LifePath Hospice also operates thrift stores on South Dale Mabry in Tampa and on Gunn Highway in Carrollwood.

Anxious customers were lined up outside the store just before the 9 a.m. opening. But before shoppers could enter, store manager Cheryl Ann Haley led 22 volunteers in a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony. On the count of three, volunteers Mary Beth Gallimore and Susan Herman snipped the bright blue ribbon and the store was officially open for business. All proceeds from the sales at the thrift stores go to support the end-of-life care programs that LifePath Hospice offers in Hillsborough County.

“Shoppers at the LifePath Hospice thrift stores can always find great selections of new and gently used items at remarkable prices,” said Haley. “We are so excited to have this newest store in Brandon.”

For the last two months, volunteers have been collecting donations, pricing items, stocking shelves and training to operate the cash register, all in preparation for this day. “I know our customers will appreciate the hard work that’s gone into making this store one-of-a-kind,” said Haley.

The brightly lit, 9,000-square-foot store stocks clothing for men, women and children, household goods, furniture, jewelry, accessories, antiques, books, small appliances and holiday decorations. The store is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. “Shoppers should check by often,” added Haley. “We get fantastic donations each day, and once they’re on the shelves, they don’t last long.”

Now that the Brandon location is open, ongoing donations will be needed to ensure the store’s success. People can drop off donations at a collection area behind the store, Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pick up service can be arranged for larger items.

The store is also recruiting for volunteers to help run the store. Volunteers must be 14 years or older and have a sincere desire to help. Previous retail experience is not needed.

For more information about the new LifePath Hospice Thrift Store in Brandon, call store manager Cheryl Ann Haley at 813.653.4616.