Chapel Hill thrift store closes after 73 years
A unique thrift store in Carrboro, North Carolina, that offered clothing, housewares, furniture, and books has officially closed after 73 years of operation.
According to a post on the business’s Facebook page, Dawn Edgerton, the Director of CommunityWorx, announced that the closure decision came after the passing of long-serving Executive Director Barbara Jessie-Black, whose innovative leadership played a crucial role in enhancing local employment opportunities, economic advancement, and community ties.
“Her dedication to Carrboro and the greater Chapel Hill community shaped CommunityWorx into a model for mission-driven social enterprise,” said Edgerton. “For years, the CommunityWorx thrift shop has served not only as a place to shop, but as a place where opportunity was created daily. Barbara championed the belief that everyone deserves dignity, stability, and a chance to thrive. This transition reflects both her impact and the organization’s commitment to ensuring that the mission continues in a sustainable way.”
Established in 1952 by the Chapel Hill Art Guild, Community Worx, previously known as PTA Thrift Shop, has been a nonprofit staple in the heart of Carrboro and Chapel Hill. The original storefront was situated at 508 West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. In the first three months of operation, the nonprofit faced financial challenges in providing art education in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District, prompting a community-driven fundraising effort through rummage sales. During that time, they successfully raised $1,200 to hire the first art teacher. Over the subsequent decade, the school district invested $150,000 in art education.
Since its inception, the store has relocated multiple times within Chapel Hill and Carrboro. By 1979, it secured its first permanent location by purchasing a building at 103 Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro. This site served as the Carrboro location until 2012. In 1980, a second location was leased and opened in Kroger Plaza, now known as Village Plaza, on South Elliott Road.
In 1986, the store expanded to a larger space next to the Wellspring grocery store. By 2007, the store had moved to its final address at 125 West Main St. and included an on-site donation facility. In November 2019, the name was officially changed to CommunityWorx.
“We are permanently closed and thank the community for all of your past support,” said Edgerton. “The CommunityWorx Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers offer heartfelt thanks to the countless shoppers, donors, partners, and supporters who have made their work possible for decades. Plans to further celebrate and preserve Barbara Jessie-Black’s legacy will be shared with the community in the months ahead.
“Our team is a reflection of the community we serve, and we love giving back,” states the business website. “We invest in our community by raising money, creating jobs, and dedicating in-kind donations to enriching the lives of youth impacted by opportunity gaps. Our work contributes to environmental sustainability by reselling used goods and reducing waste that may otherwise end up in the landfill.”
Although the store is closing, Edgerton mentioned that a local nonprofit partner, Extraordinary Ventures, plans to open a new thrift store in the West Main Street location soon. This nonprofit aims to create job opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.