Good news for Good Vibes Thrift Store, community comes to rescue

 YOUNGSTOWN, Oh. - Good Vibes thrift store was close to the end.

It was February when owner Jesse Alexander was forced to make the hard decision to sell the store's building and close down operations, due to extensive repairs. 

Alexander was told it would cost $100,000 to fix the structural repairs needed to save the building. So, in a somber Facebook post, Alexander thanked the community and shared the decision to close the store. 

That was before three community members stepped up and stepped in. 

A regular customer of Good Vibes who works with drywall showed up and helped repair the inside of the building, donating his time, Alexander said. An additional woman made a generous, anonymous donation to keep the store running. Sky Roofing, however, was who aided them most, the store owner said.

"I felt gratitude, absolute gratitude," Alexander said. "It was a humbling experience, having somebody step up and help."

Now, Alexander said he will be able to keep his doors open and his Westside store welcoming to the public.

Good Vibes thrift store never formally shut down and is currently open for business Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2714 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown, OH 44509.

Next weekend, starting Thursday July 31, the shop will also be thanking their community through a customer appreciation day — the first 100 customers will receive a free hot dog and soda, no purchase necessary.