By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Call it White Friday.

Hundreds of shoppers took to the shelves and clothing aisles during Friday's opening of Goodwill Industries' bright new 27,000-square-foot retail store, regional warehouse and workforce development center.

"I like to repurpose things, give them new life," said Post Falls' Virginia Lindgren as she weaved her way down the knick-knack section, hunting for bargains. "You can also find high-end clothing if you look hard enough. It stretches the budget."

Heather Alexander, Goodwill's marketing director, said the huge turnout exceeded expectations.

"There were 100 people waiting to get in when we cut the ribbon," she said.

Alexander said the rush was comparable to the one when Goodwill recently opened a new location on Northwest Boulevard — and there wasn't a previous store in that location like there was in Post Falls.

"It was hard to know if it was going to be a big deal or not since there was a store already here," Alexander said.

The shopping

madhouse meant revenue for Goodwill's core mission of training those with disabilities for the workforce, mentoring at-risk youth and providing housing to those in need.

"We break down barriers to independence," Alexander said.

The Post Falls location will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for social service work.

"Eighty-nine cents out of every dollar the retail store makes goes toward social services," Alexander said.

Last year Goodwill served more than 6,600 people in the region through its workforce and family services.

Alexander said Post Falls and Rathdrum residents had to drive to Coeur d'Alene for the workforce training services. Not any longer.

"To many of us, that doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is if you're struggling financially," she said.

The new site will also serve as the nonprofit's regional warehouse that helps supply Goodwill stores with goods from Lewiston to Ponderay.

Alexander said the location along Highway 41 is centrally located for the west side of Kootenai County, visible and accessible for Goodwill's trucks and customers alike. Area growth and the need for more space fueled the demand for a facility, she said.

Traffic signals are planned adjacent to the complex at the intersection of Highway 41 and 16th Avenue.

The larger location in Post Falls created six additional full-time retail positions, raising the total to 15.

The sales floor is 8,000 square feet — double the size of the one on Seltice Way that was 6,000 total square feet and closed last week.

"It's a bright, clean atmosphere," said Alexander, adding the energy-efficient building will also allow Goodwill to save more funds.

Josie Williams, 12, Post Falls, bought a book and received an added bonus during the outing in the form of a hug from Otto, the Spokane Indians baseball mascot.

"I really like this store because it's inviting and there seems to be a lot of items to choose from," she said. "You never know what you'll find, so I can't wait to come back."

The store and donation hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Goodwill will also pick up donations.

Information: 773-6181