Goodwill of Western New York has completed the expansion and renovation of its location in the Batavia Plaza (previously Valu Plaza) at 4152 West Main Street doubling the amount of its retail space while adding a covered drive up donation center.
Originally opened at that location in May of 2013, Goodwill took over the adjoining space previously occupied by JoAnn Fabrics early last year. In partnership with Kirst Commercial Real Estate, they have more than doubled the size of the store from 9,285 to 21,506 square feet and now have 18 full-time and part-time employees.
The new location, one of their largest in Western New York, now features a new open layout allowing it to expand its offering of gently used donated men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. The store also features a broad array of previously owned housewares, decorative items, small appliances, electronics, and furniture. Goodwill hopes that with the open format and wider selection the store will become a destination for both its current and new customers.
“With individuals and families looking for ways to cut their clothing and housewares budgets, we are proud to be able to expand our services in Batavia,” said Thomas Ulbrich, Goodwill of Western New York President and CEO. “We serve a very wide range of customers from all across Genesee County and we are proud to be a destination in such a great community.”
In addition to the expansion of the retail space, the building now features a drive-up covered donation center on the side of the building facing Main Street that offer donors a quick and convenient option to donate during store hours. Donations support the Batavia store and workforce development programs across Western New York.
Goodwill was joined by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, supporters, shoppers, and donors on February 2nd for a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony included a presentation to Katrina Chaffee, Director of Community Service and Reporting for Community Action of Orleans, with an oversized gift card representing $2,500 in gifts cards donated to support Community Action's Emergency Services program.
“When we looked out in the community, we were incredibly impressed at the number of individuals, children, and families that the Community Action of Orleans and Genesee supports each year,” said Thomas Ulbrich, Goodwill of Western New York President and CEO. “We are proud to support their mission of providing services that help people become self-sufficient right here in Batavia.”
According to Community Action, the gift cards to the Batavia Goodwill location will be used as part of their Emergency Services program that supports individuals and families in crisis situations through a food pantry and assists with transportation, clothing, and counseling referrals.
“We at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee in Batavia are thrilled to be receiving this donation that will further our mission of providing services with dignity and respect that help people become self-sufficient” said David Dodge, Case Manager at Community Action of Orleans and Genesee.
The grand opening celebration continued with raffles and giveaways throughout the weekend including a live remote broadcast with WBTA-FM on February 3rd from 12pm to 2pm.
The Batavia store and donation center operates from 9am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.
Media coverage:
WBTA and Main & Center Show