8th Street Mission opens new store

West Memphis- based outreach program offers bargains to support programs

news@theeveningtimes.com

Friends of the 8th Street Mission for Jesus Christ celebrated a new beginning at the grand opening of its new store on Monday. The new shop is the biggest one in the mission's history at 10,000 square feet, filled with furniture and electronics, bedroom items and bathroom decor. The new second-hand shop is set up in the old East Arkansas Family Health building at 215 E. Bond in West Memphis.

Mission Director Pastor Larry Brown talked through the need for the new store.

Its familiar Marion location on the corner of Military Road and Highway 77 with the Sultana River Boat mural on the side was forced closed as part of soon to come expansion of Military Road. That building was slated for demolition to provide turn lanes at the corner. Brown said the mission went from one great landlord to another.

'The road work will tear down the building,' said Brown. 'Tracy Brick owns the building. Tracy picked up the baton from her brother Phil and she has been awesome. She is a close friend who cares about the mission.'

Brown said his new landlord made improvements for the mission.

'Dr. Scott Ferguson put a new air conditioner unit in for us,' said Brown. 'He cares about the mission, too. He is a wonderful person.'

Brown said during the pandemic reality supporters have become more crucial.

The mission canceled both its annual fund raising banquet and golf tournament.

Sponsors like Walmart and a new food bank relationship have buoyed the mission during the tough times.

The mission takes no government funds.

'Walmart has been a great contributor,' said Brown.

'We were not able to have our two biggest fund raisers this year. This store will play a major role in our revenue now. All the people that support us during banquet time and tournament time can come over to the store and give support. They may find something they like to get for the house too.'

The store at 8th Street near the mission remained in business.

'The 8th and Broadway store is mostly clothing and jewelry, knickknacks, strollers and car seats. The new store has appliances, sofas, tools- lot's of tools, electronics, stereos, phones and accessories, beds, and frames.'

Brown offered a discount incentive for half-off.

'We have a ‘Free 50’ club card,' Said Brown. 'That card… that card gets you half off regular priced items in the store. Right now we have free surplus food.'

Photo by John Rech