Beth Walton

bwalton@citizen-times.com

BLACK MOUNTAIN - Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina is expanding its presence in the region.

The agency will host a grand opening for its new retail store in Black Mountain on Aug. 18. The shop is at 2978 Old U.S. Highway 70.

"We are so excited to open this bigger and better store,” said Jaymie Eichorn, Goodwill vice president of marketing and communications in a statement. “The Black Mountain community has been so supportive of Goodwill’s mission and we’re thankful to be able to expand in the area.”

Store staff, local officials, and members of Goodwill's executive management team will attend a ribbon cutting ceremony, which begins at 7:45 a.m. Afterwards, customers are invited to browse the inventory of donated clothing, furniture, shoes, toys, and home decor. New items will also be for sale.

The new Black Mountain store replaces a leased store that opened in Black Mountain in 2007. It will be open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sundays.

Revenue from Goodwilll reuse stores supports employment training and work placement. In 2013 the nonprofit helped place 5,120 people into jobs —1,110 employed in the Asheville area.

Last month Goodwill of Northwest North Carolina introduced a new hospitality training program to help locals connect with hiring managers.

For more information on Goodwill services, mission, and locations, visit www.goodwillnwnc.org

Goodwill retail stores fund dreams