ThriftSmart opens second location as it celebrates 20 years of value to customers, opportunity for employees, and benefit to local nonprofits
Since 2005, ThriftSmart has diverted 20 million pounds of goods from landfills and provided more than $2 million to nonprofit partners
New, 32,000 square foot store located in the Marketplace at Rivergate celebrates grand opening on March 29
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 17, 2025 – ThriftSmart, which began in 2005 as a nonprofit social enterprise to provide a sustainable revenue stream to local nonprofit partners, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the opening of its second location.
The new, 32,000 square foot store, located at 2117 Gallatin Pike N. in Madison in the former Oak Factory Outlet building, extends ThriftSmart’s reach to more families, provides job opportunities, and support to local community initiatives in the Madison, Goodlettsville, and Hendersonville areas. The grand opening celebration is Saturday, March 29 beginning at 9 a.m. and will include branded tote bags and gift cards to the first 100 customers, sweet treats, specials and much more.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate two decades of success than opening a second location,” said ThriftSmart Co-Founder, Dick Gygi. “The decision to expand to the Madison area stems from its vibrant community and strategic location. We are adding more than 30 associates from the local community and will expand our workforce as we grow.”
In addition to providing affordable goods and jobs, the opening of the Madison store marks a significant milestone for ThriftSmart that will directly enhance the organization’s ability to generate funds for its locally based nonprofit partners: Mercy Community Healthcare, New Hope Academy, African Leadership, and The Belize Project. “Our nonprofit partners, which provide healthcare and education to vulnerable populations, will also benefit as we increase our revenue streams and continue to donate 100 percent of our profits,” said Gygi.
ThriftSmart’s 20 years of impact includes donating more than $2.2 million to the four supported nonprofit organizations, while also diverting more than 20 million pounds of goods from landfills. Last year alone, the South Nashville store – located at 4890 Nolensville Pike – generated $462,000 for its nonprofit partners. “We expect our North Nashville location to double these results, directly boosting our financial support to our partners,” said Gygi.
“ThriftSmart is more than a partner to Mercy. We are family. The relationship includes many mutual benefits in addition to the direct funding. Our onsite donation bin provides gift cards to help our patients, and we ensure ThriftSmart shoppers and staff know that we are available to meet their healthcare needs,” said Cindy Siler the CEO of Mercy Community Healthcare. “We all work together for the betterment of our communities, and we are truly looking forward to building our relationship with the new store to also serve that community well.”
Additionally, more than $580,000 in gift cards have been distributed to ThriftSmart’s GiveSmart partners since its founding, including $53,000 last year alone. Community partners include hundreds of schools, nonprofits, and churches that turn their collected donations and volunteer service into gift cards to provide to those they serve. The new Madison store increases donation intake and gift card distribution to further support the missions of existing partner organizations, while adding new partners throughout the North Nashville area.
“ThriftSmart was born out of an opportunity to serve the greater Nashville area by creating a sustainable revenue model that directly benefits our nonprofit partners,” continued Gygi. “Over the past 20 years, we have become a trusted partner in the community fabric of Nashville, and I look forward to seeing the increased impact as a result of our expansion into the Rivergate area.”
To learn more about the new store opening, supported nonprofit partners, or how to donate goods, visit: thriftsmart.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram.
About ThriftSmart
ThriftSmart exists to provide value to customers, opportunity for employees, and benefit to charities by operating the best thrift stores in the world and promoting thrifty living. ThriftSmart’s mission is to generate crucial funds for our nonprofit partners, whose work in healthcare and education serves our community’s most vulnerable populations. By offering affordable housewares, clothing, and furniture, we create a sustainable revenue model that directly benefits organizations like Mercy Community Clinic, African Leadership, The Belize Project, and New Hope Academy. ThriftSmart operates two retail stores in the Nashville area at 4890 Nolensville Pike and 2117 Gallatin Pike N. in Madison. For more information visit thriftsmart.com.
