Attention, Goodwill shoppers

Goodwill of Southern Nevada has taken thrift shopping to the cutting edge.

Its new superstore at 6344 W. Sahara Ave. features 10,000 square feet of retail space with seemingly endless racks of new and used clothing, furniture and household items.

Two screens inside offer a slide show of sales -- that day's and those upcoming -- and the organization's mission.

A drive-through donation drop-off is in the back of the building, complete with curbside service.

"We really focus on running a retail store rather than a thrift store," Steve Chartrand, president and chief executive officer of Goodwill of Southern Nevada Inc., said.

"Our customer base is our typical Wal-Mart customer," he added. "There's a very broad range of economic background."

Doors first opened Thursday to 200 curious bargain shoppers. The store's blue and white sign, painted on the east side of what used to be Torrey Pines Cinema, had been drawing a stream of window shoppers.

Workers hauled furniture and sorted through piles of clothes last week to prepare for the grand opening. The shelves are also stocked with holiday items.

New items make up 40 percent to 50 percent of the merchandise, Chartrand said. The rest is donated and is "gently used." New products are purchased through retailers and distributors such as Target stores.

But vintage shoppers need not worry: There is still that Eiffel Tower lamp stand that you had always wanted or that turquoise button-up men's embroidered shirt hanging on the rack.

Chartrand is hoping the organization's message reaches the shoppers.

"Goodwill is a household name, but a lot of people have no idea what Goodwill does," he said. The not-for-profit organization provides training, employment and job placement services for people with mental, emotional or physical disabilities.

Individuals are referred to the training program through the state's Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation and Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Service.

About 95 percent of the operation is funded through donated goods, Chartrand said. The rest is through cash donations.

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