Largest thrift store in the Central Valley now open in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) – The non-profit organization, Fresno Mission, celebrated the grand opening of its second thrift store location Friday afternoon. Hundreds of eager shoppers poured in, searching for treasures, and by doing so, supporting the mission’s cause.

In less than 15 years, the first Mission Thrift generated $16 million in revenue, making it possible for Fresno Mission to give back to those in need. 

“Which we pour back into this community, it’s the thing that allows us to expand our ministry, expand our services, to help feed, to help shelter and help transform the lives of the people that are coming to us,” said Fresno Mission CEO Matthew Dildine. 

When walking into the new location, located off N. First Street and Bullard Avenue, which claims the title of the largest thrift store in the Central Valley, shoppers are greeted by row after row of clothing, an endless selection of books, and every type of glassware imaginable.

But if those who look up will notice something special – everyday objects have been given a second life, transformed into art displayed on the walls.

“I think that is a good analogy because people maybe, they at one point in their life were hopeless. Right? And they got connected to the mission and they were able to find this renewed purpose,” said Fresno Mission’s Chief Business Officer Sherri White.

The second location, along with their new warehouse used to process and recycle donated materials, has created roughly 50 additional jobs, significantly expanding their thrift operation.

“It’s more complicated than people think. It’s not just throwing somebody’s old jeans, you know, on a hanger and putting it up. It really is a sophisticated operation, and so we’re excited because we think we’re becoming really good at that,” Dildine said. 

Fresno Mission also hopes to cut the ribbon on their City Center next week, which includes 73 family units.