Overflow Thrift gears up for new location in Ames

Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune
·3 min read
Overflow Thrift Store is moving its south Ames location to 919 E. Lincoln Way. Overflow's director Sandy Swanson says the move will increase the organization's capacity to give back to the community. In 2023, Overflow gave $172,000 to the community and Swanson hopes that number will double with the larger store.
Overflow Thrift Store is moving its south Ames location to 919 E. Lincoln Way. Overflow's director Sandy Swanson says the move will increase the organization's capacity to give back to the community. In 2023, Overflow gave $172,000 to the community and Swanson hopes that number will double with the larger store.

An Ames thrift store’s cup has been overflowing, and the organization is moving to a larger location.

With two stores on Duff Avenue, Overflow Thrift Store is moving its south Ames location to 919 E. Lincoln Way. They plan to open in early May in the former Hicklin Power Sports. The location provides about 30% more space than the current Overflow store at 125 Kitty Hawk Drive, just off of South Duff near Lowe’s.

The store at 202 S. Duff Ave. is staying put, selling gently used clothing, shoes, and toys.

“That is a store that serves a part of our community that is very important to us,” Overflow’s director Sandy Swanson said. “We are walkable, bikeable, bus-able to folks coming to us from The Bridge Home and from YSS and from other shelters. We really felt like it was very important to keep a presence there that was accessible.”

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Overflow Thrift Store's new location at 919 E. Lincoln Way is expected to open in early May. With 30% more space than the south Ames site that's closing, the store will also be in a configuration that will work better for shoppers, staff and volunteers.
Overflow Thrift Store's new location at 919 E. Lincoln Way is expected to open in early May. With 30% more space than the south Ames site that's closing, the store will also be in a configuration that will work better for shoppers, staff and volunteers.

Overflow Thrift donated more than $170,000 last year

Offering an affordable source for things like clothing, shoes and toys to people in need is just part of how Overflow helps.

“Overflow exists to take advantage of the abundance that God brings us to put that out into the community,” Swanson said. “Last year, we gave $172,000 back to the community through our social enterprise.”

Overflow donates directly to individuals and families. They also partner with organizations such as The Bridge Home and Martha’s House of Hope.

Because Overflow owns its new store, it can better manage expenses and give back even more, Swansin said.

“We’re praying that we’ll be able to double our giving over the next three years,” she said.

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Overflow's new thrift store is bigger, more comfortable

The new location just outside town is about 30% larger than the south Ames store. Swanson said it also has a better configuration.

Although the south store sells only furniture and household goods, the new site will offer clothing, shoes, toys and linens.

The location on Kitty Hawk Drive is a former bread distribution store and doesn't have a full sprinkler system. That prevents Overflow from offering fabric-based products and upholstered furniture in three-fourths of the building.

“One of the advantages of moving is that we will be fully sprinkled, and we can have a full complement of products,” Swanson said.

The south Ames location also has a large area that isn't temperature-controlled.

“It’s uncomfortable in both the summer and the winter for our shoppers, staff and volunteers — and we have a legion of volunteers that support us,” she said.

The new building comes with air conditioning and heat.

The store's layout makes it easier for patrons to drop off donated items as well.

“Donations are really our lifeblood," Swanson said. "The generosity of the community in bringing us their gently used items is really how we survive.”

Swanson said one of the main reasons for opening their new location is to offer a better customer experience. A set of double doors will be clearly marked for donation drop-off, where staff will greet donors and help unload.

While the store at 202 S. Duff Ave. remains open for shopping and donations, the location on Kitty Hawk Drive stop donations on Saturday, March 30. The last day to shop is Saturday, April 20.

The new Overflow store will start accepting donations on Saturday, April 6, with a target retail date of May 6.

More details about the exact opening date will be posted on Overflow's Facebook page.

Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Overflow's new location on Lincoln Way benefits shoppers, volunteers