New thrift store puts down roots in former Sears Home Store

A new thrift store has put down roots in the former Sears Home Store on Citizens Parkway.  

Selma Roots is being run by Betty Oldroyd, who had been running Never Forgotten Treasures across the river on Highway 80.  

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

Selma Roots, and Never Forgotten Treasures before it, support the Sonlight Center Food Pantry, which is a ministry of Gospel Tabernacle Church. “All of our proceeds go to the food ministry,” Oldroyd said.  

Gospel Tabernacle Church Pastor John Grayson praised Oldroyd. “Betty has a way of brushing that stuff off and making it look really good,” he said.  

“The Sonlight Food Center, ATAP, which is the Walton Theater and our education nonprofit, and Gospel Tabernacle Church all work together,” Grayson explained. Recently, Gospel Tabernacle also started the Winston Williams Shelter for the Homeless.  

All of the 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,” Oldroyd said. The number is 205-287-1703.   

“We don’t turn anything away. What we don’t sell here we send overseas,” Oldroyd said.  

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

There was a soft opening for Selma Roots on Saturday, but Oldroyd said there will be a grand opening celebration Aug. 2.