New in town

Salvation Army Thrift Store / Value World

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Earlier this year, Macklemore scored a No. 1 hit song with “Thrift Shop,” a tongue-in-cheek ode to buying clothes in secondhand stores. So, has there been a rush of new costumers eager to “pop some tags”?

“Not really,” said Brian Kose, manager of the Value World store that opened last month in East Lansing’s Hannah Plaza. “But we did hear from a lot of people after that song came out, so at least it was good for raising attention.”

Value World, a Cleveland based, for-profit chain with locations in several U.S. states — including 14 in Michigan — took over for the vacancy left in March 2012 by The College Store. The 21,300-square foot space is stocked with gently used clothes, furniture and housewares.

About a mile and a half east, a new Salvation Army Thrift Store opened in August. The 29,000-squarefoot site was the previous location for a Circuit City and had been vacant since 2005. Major Michael Thomas, administrator of the group’s adult rehabilitation center, said the income would help local people dealing with addiction issues and homelessness. “We’re also taking over call center for Ingham County Food Bank,” Thomas said. “We want to be a vibrant contributor to the community.” And as for that recent unpleasantness about the Salvation Army taking a radical stance against homosexuality?

“That was someone in our organization speaking out of turn,” Thomas said. “We published a statement apologizing for the comments, but people tend

to remember the first story they read. We actually teach love, acceptance and respect for all people.”

Due to its proximity to MSU, he said this location has a concentrated focus on outfits that would be “more conducive to the younger generation.”

So if you want to look incredible, you’ll have to do it without your granddad’s clothes. Sorry.

Salvation Army Thrift Store 2655 E. Grand River Ave., Meridian Township 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday- Saturday (517) 483-2785 flint.satruck.org/family-stores

Value World 4790 S. Hagadorn Road (734) 728-4610 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday- Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday valueworld.net

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