New Savers Thrift Store in Bristol Brings Unexpected Treasures and Supports Local Nonprofit

BRISTOL, Conn., March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Savers thrift store in Bristol, CT will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow, offering great deals on thousands of unique items while benefiting its nonprofit partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters. The grand opening of Savers' first Bristol location will kick off on Thursday, March 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m.

"We're excited to open our sixth store in Connecticut and offer the community great deals on quality vintage and modern clothing, unique decor, and more," said Eloy Torres, the new store manager. "We're also thrilled about our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and to help support an organization that plays such an important role in this community."

Carrying everything from men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories, to housewares, electronics, furniture and more, Savers stocks more than 5,000 new items to the sales floor daily, ensuring customers continuously find a refreshed assortment of quality, value fashions.  At 20,237-square feet, the location will also house Big Brothers Big Sisters' Community Donation Center, providing a convenient place for residents to drop off their quality reusable clothing and household goods free of charge.  Savers pays the nonprofit for every donated item, turning otherwise unused goods into pure sustainable revenue that supports Big Brothers Big Sisters' programs and services in the community.

"We are so pleased to partner with the new Savers thrift store in Bristol," said Laura Green, President & CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. "This is the sixth Savers store we've partnered with and we're excited to expand this ongoing support for vital programs right here in Connecticut."

The new store comes in conjunction with the ever increasing thrift shopping trend, which is one of the fastest growing retail segments. Lifestyle, economy and social trends have contributed to the growth, including the popularity of do-it-yourself projects, renewed interest in vintage clothing, and importantly, environmentally and budget-conscientious consumers. Last year alone, Savers kept more than 500 million pounds of unwanted goods from ending up in landfills.

The grand opening festivities kick off Wednesday, March 2, with a special preview event for community leaders and media that offers a sneak peek at the new store. The evening will also include a fashion show coordinated by local stylist Debbie Wright.

The Bristol store and Big Brothers Big Sisters' Community Donation Center, located at 657 Farmington Avenue in Bristol, will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, customers may contact the store directly at 860-583-1398 or visit www.savers.com.  

About Savers, Inc.

Founded in 1954, Savers, Inc. is a privately held for-profit international thrift store chain with 250 locations in the United States, Canada and Australia. Also known as Value Village in the western United States and Canadian provinces (and as Village des Valeurs in Quebec), the company employs more than 13,000 people. By purchasing and reselling donated items, Savers has paid more than $1 billion directly to its nonprofit partners – turning otherwise unused items into sustainable revenue that supports their programs and services. The company also offers local communities a smart way to shop and is one of the largest recyclers of used goods in the world. Visit savers.com or valuevillage.com for more information.

SOURCE Savers, Inc.