Union Mission Thrift Store, Norfolk

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?
The Union Mission Thrift Store is an arm of the Union Mission Ministries founded in 1892, to serve the needs of the poor and homeless in the community. New items are added daily through donations from the community and we purchase new items for resale both in the store and our online store.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?
In 1956 Rev. Theodore A. Bashford became the Executive Director. He canvassed the community in his own to collect donations of material goods and received more donations than was needed in the shelters. In 1958 he opened his first thrift store to give mothers an affordable place to shop for family.

What do you love most about your job?
We are all called here from different walks of life to serve the Lord. Every day, each one of us is doing something to help someone in the community from working with customers in the store, filling vouchers for those in the community that need our assistance, or helping the guests in the shelters.

What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer?
Our customers rate us 5 out of 5 stars on our Facebook page. One of the best reactions was: "My favorite thrift store, totally worth the drive! They even have fitting rooms!" Another favorite is: "Your store is so clean and easy to shop, way different than other thrift stores."