They arrived at 6 a.m. Thursday morning in order to be the first in line.
Jaedyn Bryan and Aleea Fike were in their element.
Soon, more people joined the line.
Then more.
And more.
At 8 a.m., just after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the doors opened for the new Goodwill Superstore in Ridgefield.
Employees and others associated with Goodwill clapped for every customer who walked into the Superstore. That would take a little more than 15 minutes, as every single one of the more than 500 customers were welcomed with a cheer.
Yes, more than 500 waited outside, in the rain, to be among the first in the store.
“So excited to shop here. Never been to a grand opening,” Bryan said.
“We want unique items for a good price,” Fike said.
A few minutes after the opening, Bryan was spotted inside the store, filling up a basket.
“I’m in my zone right now,” she said.
Thrift shop buying and selling is quite a brand on social media these days. Famous YouTubers were at Ridgefield opening as well, documenting their visit, which will surely be on the platform soon.
This was truly a community celebration and a celebration of Goodwill.
“This is a community store. This is their store,” said David Miller, vocational services director at Goodwill. “It’s a place where folks can come and donate wonderful items to us. We know we are going to turn those items into wonderful things that people can buy. And the proceeds, when they buy those things, go to our mission.”
That mission, Miller added, is to serve people in a variety of ways. Goodwill offers job training and an opportunity to work with employment specialists. Goodwill also has English as a second language classes, as well at U.S. citizenship prep classes. Computer training, too. All of those services are free.
“With this store, we’re able to do it … right here in this location,” Miller said.
Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole was part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“In Ridgefield, we are all about making this a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive. This is an opportunity for everybody,” he said. “On behalf of the city of Ridgefield, we are excited to welcome you. We are glad that you are here.”
It is important for Goodwill to keep expanding, Miller said.
“Ridgefield is a beautiful, growing community. We know there are a lot of people here who need services,” Miller said. “We know this is a great place for everyone to come.”
Miller noted this might be the biggest crowd he has ever seen for a grand opening of a Goodwill Superstore. He was impressed with the line of people.
“We’re gonna clap ‘em in because we’re so appreciative. We’re going to clap until they all get in and make sure they know how much we appreciate them,” Miller said.
