As the size and complexities of our annual Bag Sale and Grand Reopening events have grown, Samaritan Center management have considered the effects these events have on the general health of our Center.
After a thorough review of how these large-scale events affect our ability to serve our shoppers, clients, donors, and staff, we’ve concluded that beginning this year, instead of holding a Bag Sale and Grand Reopening event, we will instead keep our doors open for regular business from December 16-23, as well as December 26. This change will enable our Center to be open to the public six additional days.
We know that this announcement may be disappointing to some, as our annual Bag Sale and Grand Reopening events have been popular. In attempt to answer potential questions regarding this change, we’ve created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. We hope it will help you understand why we see this change as beneficial.
CHANGE TO HOLIDAY SALE EVENTS: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you cancelling the Bag Sale and Grand Reopening? Weren’t they successful events?
Yes, it’s true that the Bag Sale and Grand Reopening events were fun events that brought in hundreds of shoppers each year as well as thousands of dollars in sales. However, as we’ve analyzed the effect these sales have on our ability to serve as stewards of the gifts of our community, we have concluded there may be better ways to utilize those resources.
How will this change benefit me as a shopper?
- To hold a Grand Reopening event, we must set aside inventory almost all year long and hold it back until December. Without a need to completely restock, we will now have the flexibility to put inventory out, right away, as it comes in.
- In the weeks leading up to our Bag Sale, it has been our practice to limit the fresh inventory we put out, realizing that merchandise left over for the Bag Sale will go for bottom barrel prices. Without the Bag Sale in place, shoppers can expect to see consistent levels of fresh inventory in our stores throughout the whole year.
- Shoppers will now have more days to shop over the holiday season. As opposed to being off the week between our Bag Sale and Grand Reopening as in past years, the only days we will be closed will be Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s.
But won’t you lose revenue?
While it’s always possible revenue may be affected, we feel with extra shopping days and new shopping traditions gaining traction, ultimately sales will be steady and potentially grow.
New traditions, you say? Tell me more! What will take the place of the Bag Sale and Grand Reopening?
Plans are being made to offer some very unique and fun sales during and surrounding the holiday season. We will be announcing more as that time draws closer.
How will this change benefit me as a donor?
Instead of your donations sitting in storage for nearly a year, they will be put to use sooner. Also, with less staff attention needed for managing the restock of the stores, employees will be more available to receive donations.
How will this change benefit me as a client?
This is one of the changes we’re most excited about. With this change to our calendar, our social services offices will now be open a whole week longer than in previous years, allowing us to serve dozens of clients we wouldn’t otherwise be able to help.
How will this change benefit employees and volunteers?
For one, this change will eliminate the extra stress and space that comes with setting aside restock inventory, giving our team the space and breathing room to do their job more efficiently. Also, restocking three stores top to bottom takes quite a feat of energy from our staff. With this change in place, it is our hope that our staff’s holiday season will be that much merrier.
You haven’t answered my question here. Who can I talk to?
Our management team is more than happy to answer any questions you might have. If you prefer to contact us via email, you may do so at info@thesamaritancenter.net.