Goodwill has opened its newest Colorado Springs store at 2007South Circle Drive.
With 26,500 square feet, the store is the largest Goodwill in thecity.
The thrift store chain had operated a store at the intersectionof Pikes Peak and Wahsatch avenues for 35 years but closed thatlocation last month.
The Circle Retail Center was designed by Janitell-Childs DesignGroup and built by G.E. Johnson Construction Co.
Including the purchase of 4.28 acres, the project carried a $7million price tag.
'It was within our long-term strategic plan to relocate thestore,' said spokeswoman Laura Marth. 'We like to position ourretail stores where the rooftops are, and we knew there was a needfor a donation and thrift store in that area of town.'
Shoppers might notice quite a few differences from typicalGoodwill stores.
The Circle Drive store features a 900-square-foot teen clothingdepartment called 'Threads,' which will be managed by HarrisonSchool District students.
The store also features a two-lane donation drive thru.
'We wanted to have the drive thru donation, and there wasn'tspace for that downtown,' Marth said. 'We're moving a lot of ourstores to the decentralized locations, where people can donate andshop at the same location. It's more efficient. Donated items arenow showing up in stores on the same day they are donated.'
Goodwill has embraced the green concept as well. Among manyenergy-saving measures incorporated, the new store was designed withmore windows than older stores and carpeting was made with recycledfibers.
The store will employ about 50 people.
Burlington collecting coats
Burlington Coat Factory has kicked off its second annual WarmHearts and Warm Coats Drive.
Coats collected will be distributed locally.
Drop off boxes can be found at the city's two Burlington CoatFactory stores, at 820 Citadel Drive East and 1730 Briargate Blvd.Coats should be in good condition with working fasteners and no ripsor stains.
Donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes.
Last year, the program collected more that 175,000 coats forpeople in need nationwide.
Springs in fashion guide
Rocky Mountain News fashion columnists Judie Schwartz andEvelinda Urman have released a second edition of 'A Fashion Lover'sGuide to the Best Shopping in Denver and Beyond.'
The book features a section for Colorado Springs and reviews 220boutiques, department stores and national chains.
It contains chapters about the best places to buy denim, petiteand plus-size clothing, professional wardrobes, eco-friendlyclothing and accessories, and even places to shop for women who hateto shop.
Schwartz and Urman also offer tips and gift ideas for savingmoney during our tight economy.
The book, which sells for $16.95, is available at the TatteredCover, major bookstore chains and at www.stylematters.us.
Retailers shed employees
The U.S. Department of Labor's employment report showed that theretail segment of the economy shed 91,300 jobs during November.
That's the 12th consecutive month that retailers have cut jobs.
Hardest hit were the motor vehicle and parts dealers, who cut27,000 jobs, but losses were wide ranging.
Clothing and accessories stores dropped 17,600, while sportinggoods, hobby, book and music stores shed 10,700. Furniture and homefurnishings stores eliminated 9,800 jobs nationwide.
