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Mar 3, 2009 5:35 pm US/Central
Bargain Hunters Fueling Goodwill's Expansion
Sana Syed
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The economy has taken big bites out of retailers, but one business is still standing strong and showing others bargain shopping may be a new sign of the times.
From going out of business to liquidation sales, the signs are all over North Texas. But one local business is getting ready to open four more stores.
"Toys, books, movies, clothes, purses shoes, I get almost everything here," said Goodwill customer Janelle Wilson.
Goodwill is reaping the benefits of the recession with sales up 15-percent from more than a year ago.
"I'm a single parent, it's a lot cheaper for me," said customer Lizann Alvarado. "You can still find brand name clothes brand new with the tags on them."
So with more money coming in and real estate prices easing up, the retail chain is investing about $2 million in the old Food Lion building on Alta Mesa and Crowley in Fort Worth.
"We're expanding. We're taking advantage of the bad economy. There are deals to be had on properties and we are in a growth mode," said Goodwill Senior Vice President David Cox.
Cox says the company is still trying to decide where the other three stores will go, but they will be in parts of Tarrant County that are not being serviced right now. It's good news for customers like Janelle Wilson, who drives from Alvarado to Fort Worth to find bargains.
"I'd like it if there was one closer," said Wilson. "It'd be a lot easier for us."
Workers have already started renovations in the 18,000 square foot building. It's scheduled to open at the end of June.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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