Green grand re-opening at ICAN Junction
It is the “greenest” thrift store in town.
ICAN Junction is a unique home improvement outlet in North Fort Myers, a one-stop-shop for new and used home improvement materials at 50 to 75 percent below retail prices, donated by builders and members of the community.
“Since we opened six years ago, we have kept thousands and thousands of tons of materials out of the landfills,” said Carolyn Moore, executive director of the Island Coast Aids Network (ICAN). The store proceeds benefits that organization. “We love being green; it is our way of life.”
The store offers a large variety of home improvement items, from appliances to high-end floor tile, to kitchen cabinets, doors, windows and other materials. There is also a great selection of furniture, TVs, lamps and other decorating items. “This store is so eclectic; we’re doing things no other thrift store is doing.”
The store has recently been revamped by new store manager Michael Graves. Mainly it has been reorganized to have patrons find things easier. A Grand Re-opening will be held on Saturday, March 26m from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to re-introduce the shop to the community.
“When people know about us, they just love it,” Graves said.
The store is in the United Plaza on the corner of Pondella Road and U.S. 41 next to Jersey’s Sports Bar. There will be free hot dogs and drinks, live music, a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce, door prizes and raffle drawings and discounts that day on many items.
“The whole purpose of the Grand Re-opening is to re-brand from ICANstruction Junction to ICAN Junction – The Green Guys, a clearer message of what we accomplish,” said Graves.
“We’re also trying to re-establish connections with contractors and builders,” said Moore. “If they have unused items and are having to pay to store them, they can donate to us and get a tax deduction.”
The store is in 54,000 square feet at the plaza, full of a wide array of items. “We have all types of building materials, and one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else,” said Graves. “We’ve had hard to find wicker items, antiques and more.” This week there was a baby grandfather clock, a vintage sewing machine, unique doorknobs and hinges. “We have everything except clothes.”
Also, if customers are looking for a particular type of item, they can let Graves and staff know. “We do have wish lists, and call customers when those items come in. Items change every week.”
For donations, he said, “We’ll pick them up.”
Because there are so many items, new labeling has made it easier for customers to find items. “We wanted to make it user-friendly. When you get in the store things are easy to get to, you don’t have to do a treasure hunt.”
One example of popular and unique offerings are in lighting fixtures and lamps.
“It means non-governmental independent income,” said Graves, of the funds it provides non-profit ICAN.
ICAN Junction is at 13971 North Cleveland Ave. in the United Plaza. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
To learn more go to ICANjunction.org or call 997-4226.