([L-R] U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, CT State representative Claire Janowski, Captains Laura and Leo Lloyd, and Vernon Deputy Mayor Steve Wakefield, ready to cut the ribbon.)

New Vernon Salvation Army Family Store Opens

With Excited Customers and Great Bargains!

VERNON - The Salvation Army opened a new Family (Thrift) Store on Saturday, May 3 at 295 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. Located in the Kmart Plaza, it opened its doors at 9:00 a.m., and the customers flowed in. The early arrivals were rewarded with special promotions, free coffee and donuts, and many fantastic bargains! There was a separate ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. with Congressman Joe Courtney and other local dignitaries participating.

The new Vernon Family (Thrift) Store will be replacing the existing store located on Union Street in Rockville. The new store is designed to improve the shopping experience for its customers and includes 14,500 square feet of shopping space, filled with bargain-priced clothing, household items, electronics, books, toys, furniture, and collectables. Budget-conscious shoppers will also appreciate the store’s even deeper “Family Day” discounts on Wednesdays.

Captain Leo Lloyd, Jr., who oversees The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Hartford, said, "Our new Family Store will offer more selections and more bargains that appeal to everyone. The Vernon location will provide our customers with a better shopping experience and should help generate heavier customer traffic to help support our social services work. We really look forward to contributing to the community at all levels."

"The decision to close the existing store was not made lightly,” said Captain Lloyd, “but after much review, it seems to be the most responsible choice. The Rockville store provided great value to many families in need, and although it’s closing, The Salvation Army isn’t going anywhere. We are still absolutely committed to meeting needs by serving the community. I hope that everyone will stop by to see our new store."