Bibles for Missions thrift store has more than two decades in Langley, but it’s outgrown its current space.
So this summer will see the store move from its location at 5785 200th St. to the former Liquidation World site in Rainbow Mall (204th Street and Logan Avenue).
“We’re excited about the move,” said manager Arlene Roersma.
There’s still some work to be done at the new site so there isn’t a definitive timeline for the move and opening.
“I’m hoping August,” she said.
She wants to be up and running by the end of summer. Until then, it’s business as usual at the current site.
The store raises money for the Bibles for Mission Foundation. There are 43 BFM thrift stores across the country and last year raised $7 million for the mission work.
The current store has expanded on the site as much as possible, so the thrift store will move from its 6,700-square-foot space to one almost 20,000 square feet.
“Parking is a big issue and we need more space,” she explained.
The store has a contingent of about 100 volunteers who help. “We can always use more,” Roersma added.
The BFM move is the latest change in the local thrift store sector. The community has about 10 thrift stores with most clustered in Langley City, including the recently expanded Penny Pinchers and the new stores the Battered and Abused Women’s Thrift and New Hope for Children Thrift.
Roersma said BFM’s goal is to have a bigger space to raise more money for the cause and they’ve done their homework about the capacity in the marketplace.
“I’m not worried,” she said.
As for the new site and security concerns, she said every neighbourhood has issues. The store will have security systems and has liaised with law enforcement.
“We’ve done a lot of homework on it,” Roersma said.
She said having more tenants in Rainbow Mall is a way to improve safety in the area and there’s increased security at the bus loop in front of the mall.
“I think it’s much better monitored,” she added.