Secondhand store opens following benefit

Recently opening its doors at 215 South Fifth is Grandma’s Secondhand Palace. The store came into being after a benefit yard sale. Owner Kathy Najar explained her son, Shawn Goodman, was injured in September while he was cutting wood for personal use in the Bighorn Mountains. A tree fell on him, breaking both femurs and a couple discs in his back.

Najar held a benefit yard sale for Goodman, and the community responded with several donated items. Following the sale, she said, there was so much left over Goodman’s wife — and store co-owner — Melissa suggested they use the items to open the business.

Melissa noted they initially planned to do consignments, but there were some issues so they are simply accepting donations or buying people’s items for a set price.

Najar said, “All of our prices are going to be cheap, so that way the community can afford to come in.” Melissa said she and her husband have been on the lower-income side of things and know how difficult it can be. Since the community has helped them out, she felt it only right.

Another way they’re helping is through partnership with the H.O.P.E. Agency. Najar explained they will provide items at reduced or no cost for families who are victims of abuse.

So far, the response has been good, Najar said, with plenty of people stopping by to visit or give suggestions. Word-of-mouth has been beneficial and other businesses are referring customers to the new store.

The store will have its official grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 21. During the event, the first 20 people to spend at least $20 in the store will receive a 15 percent discount. There will also be free coffee and cookies, and patrons can submit their names for drawings for free items.

Regular store hours will be 1-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday-Tuesday. Senior Day will be every Friday, during which any customer 55 years or older will receive a 10 percent discount. Najar noted if there aren’t any customers for several hours she will close for the day, but pointed out a sign on the front door with their phone numbers, and they would be glad to come open the store for people outside regular hours.