The thrift store is slated to close ‘late Spring 2017.’

UPDATE (March 23, 2017): Nearly New Shop To Shutter April 29.

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Toco Hill’s Nearly New Shop, a thrift store owned and operated by The Junior League of Atlanta (JLA), an organization of women “committed to making lasting transformation in the Atlanta community,” is ending its 68-year run.

The thrift store is slated to close its doors, at 2927 N Druid Hills Road, “late spring 2017,” JLA late-Wednesday announced on Nearly New Shop’s Facebook page.

“…After careful consideration, the Junior League of Atlanta has decided to close the Nearly New Shop in late Spring 2017,” according to the post.

“As the JLA celebrates its Centennial Anniversary, we recognize the great impact Nearly New has had in the metro Atlanta area. The store’s 68-year history is a testament to the dedication of some of our longest-serving League members and to you, our customers…”

Deanna Anderson, JLA’s president, told What Now Atlanta Thursday in a telephone interview the decision to close Nearly New Shop “wasn’t taken lightly” and was “several years in the making.”

“We need a more sustainable fundraiser that will help us give back to the community,” Anderson said.

Compared to new “dynamic” fundraising opportunities available in today’s digital age, the economics no longer work for the Nearly Open Shop business model according to Anderson, who cited three leading contributing factors in the decision to shutter the store: an increase in competition (both online and brick-and-mortar), a change in the JLA’s membership over the years, and opportunities to engage in more dynamic fundraiser opportunities like the Little Black Dress initiative which brought in nearly $79,000 in one week.

“Putting all those three things together, it really is time for us to focus our volunteers and their efforts to more dynamic fundraising but we’re so thankful to the community for supporting the store.”

An exact closing date will be announced in the coming months alongside details around the store’s final “celebration” and close-out-sale, she said.

Nearly New Shop in 2014 relocated to the Toco Hills Shopping Center from Howell Mill Square. Developer Edens is overhauling the Office Depot-anchored development after acquiring the center late-2015, adding to its ownership of the adjoining Toco Hills Promenade.

[Editor’s note: Quotes from Deanna Anderson, JLA’s president, were added Jan. 19 at 5:28 p.m. after JLA returned What Now Atlanta’s request for comment.]