Selma Roots thrift store holds grand opening, ribbon cutting

Selma Roots held their grand opening and ribbon cutting Aug. 2 in the former Sears building on Citizen’s Parkway.

The thrift store had a soft opening July 13 and is an outreach of the ministries of the Gospel Tabernacle Church, with proceeds supporting their Sonlight Center Food pantry.

Selma Roots is being run by Betty Oldroyd, who used to run Never Forgotten Treasures across the Alabama River on Highway 80.

Gospel Tabernacle Pastor John Grayson said proceeds will go to several other programs, including the summer camp that had 121 kids in attendance, the Winston Williams Shelter for the Homeless on Broad Street that his church opened earlier this year. It also will support ATAP, which is the Walton Theater.

“The new Selma Roots is an upgrade from the thrift store across the river,” Grayson said. “But this is not just a thrift store. This is where people coming in from the north side coming into Selma, this is where everybody will stop and get their welcome to Selma.”

Oldroyd said the old store will shut down and everything will move to this new more spacious store. “We have everything from clothes to housewares to electronics, everything.”

Retired District Court Judge Bob Armstrong said the new store “is like an old-time department store, like Kress’s or Woolworth's.” 

The University of Alabama College of Business is a partner in Selma Roots, helping them formulate a plan to help Selma with economic development and other areas also.

Selma Roots will be open seven days a week, according to Oldroyd. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

All merchandise in the store is donated. “People can just bring it here and drop it off at the door. If it’s too much for them to bring, call us and we’ll come pick it up.” The number is 205-287-1703.