On July 30, 2013, the community of Norwood, Massachusetts welcomed a new addition to its retail landscape with the grand opening of Savers Thrift Store at 560 Boston Providence Highway, the former site of Syms. The opening marked a significant moment for local shoppers, charitable organizations, and residents seeking affordable goods.
The store held its preview event on July 23, followed by the official grand opening on July 25. Crowds flocked to the location, eager to explore the aisles filled with clothing, video games, books, jewelry, furniture, toys, and home goods. Store Manager Paul Hansen described the excitement: “It’s been out of control, in a good way. Since we got occupancy of the building, more and more people would call us and swing by. The crowds won’t be disappointed. It’s fantastic.”
The opening of Savers in Norwood was not only about bargains but also about community impact. Hansen explained, “It’s great deals, it’s good deeds and it’s the right thing to do. We touch a lot of people’s lives, whether it’s locally in the community, people who work with our charitable partners or people in underdeveloped nations.”
The store partnered with the Epilepsy Foundation of New England and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation of America, ensuring that donations made at the store would benefit charitable causes. Donors received tax deduction receipts, and items that could not be sold were repurposed, often sent overseas to developing countries. Hansen emphasized, “You’re going to see some beautiful items here at a fraction of the price of a regular retailer. It’s great for the customers, it’s great for the charities, it’s great for the community and it’s great for our donors.”
Inside the store, shoppers encountered a treasure trove of over 100,000 items available at any given time. The inventory was constantly refreshed, with new items placed on shelves multiple times per week. Hansen noted that some customers visited two or three times weekly, knowing that each trip would reveal new finds. On opening day, items ranged from blue jeans to a Batman-themed DVD player, chicken-shaped salt and pepper shakers, and NES games.
The store also provided a boost to local employment, hiring over 60 people. At a time when many businesses were cutting back, the expansion of Savers offered stability and opportunity. Hansen remarked on the importance of this growth, highlighting how the store’s presence in Norwood would serve not only shoppers but also the broader community.
The decision to open in Norwood was strategic. Hansen explained that when Syms closed, the location became available, and Savers saw an opportunity to reach residents of Norwood, Canton, and Walpole who might not travel to their West Roxbury store. The placement along Route 1 ensured visibility and accessibility, drawing in both local residents and those passing through.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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