Main Street Store in Albion reopens after remodeling
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Workers stand in the newly remodeled Main Street Store, which celebrated its grand re-opening Tuesday. The store had been closed for six weeks after a roof leak, which ruined the floors and much of the merchandise. From left are Cedric, a volunteer; William Weis, employee in training; Danielle Wray, a volunteer; Melissa Williams, employee in training; and Mary Melero, employee in training.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent
ALBION – The Main Street Store celebrated its grand reopening Tuesday after being closed for six weeks for repairs
In early April, ice and snow accumulated under the shingles, then melted and flooded the entire store, said manager Michelle George.
The floor was ruined and damaged much of the merchandise.
With community support and funding from Orleans United Way and Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley, a new roof was installed and the floor replaced.
“When we made the repairs, we took the opportunity to spruce up the entire store and rearrange the layout,” George said.
People tell her the Main Street Store is Orleans County ’s best kept-secret, something she really doesn’t want to hear. She wants everyone to know about the store.
“We are not a ‘second-hand’ store, we have all high-end merchandise,” George said. “Our clothing is clean, gently used and mostly brand names. We carefully scrutinize all merchandise and appliances and electronics are tested before we put them on the shelf for sale.”
Lynn Hawkins arranges clothing in the Main Street Store in Albion, which celebrated a grand re-opening on Tuesday. Hawkins job is to wash, dry and tag clothing for display.
All merchandise, including clothing, holiday decorations, furniture, appliances, electronics and gift items are donated. Donations are always needed and pickup can be arranged, or there is a drop-off spot at the store. Tax receipts are always available. Donation drop-off is available from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to being a quality retail store, the Main Street Store, established by Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, provides comprehensive job training, employment support services and education opportunities for residents of Orleans and Genesee counties.
Individuals can take advantage of a full range of services from resumes and job searches to job skills training, on-the-job work experience in the store, employment counseling and certificate courses in cooperation with Albion Central School .
The store also provides GED preparation, high school and college tutoring and personal income/expense planning. There is a “Dress for Success” program for people who work and need help with work clothes.
The community has free access to computers with online capability for those looking for jobs.
Proceeds from the sale of merchandise helps fund these services, George said.
Mary Melero is one of the employees in training, who was working during the re-opening sale.
“They are teaching me a lot, and I love working with Michelle,” Melero said.
Another employee in training is Melissa Williams, who sorts donations when they are received. She hopes her training there will lead to a job in retail or a factory.
The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Happy Hour is observed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays, with 50 percent off.
