Al and Debbie Eckert, owners of Al’s Estate Sales.
Talk of the town: Thrift store is developing a following
Al Eckert said good word-of-mouth promotion is helping him build a growing customer base at his new High Ridge business, More Stuff by Al’s Estate Sales, which opened in early August.
Eckert said his store, 1606 Gravois Road, is seeing a lot of repeat customers.
“We are doing something right,” he said, crediting his friendly staff and low prices.
Customers will find collectibles, tools, kitchenware and other interesting items at the 4,000-square-foot thrift store.
“One of the most rewarding parts of any job or business is (gaining) the recommendation of family or friends,” Eckert said.
He said he has yet to receive a complaint. Eckert has been in the estate sale business for 12 years and decided to open a physical store to sell items acquired from estates or left over from estate sales.
He said the store’s stock changes daily so new inventory is always available.
Eckert said inventory on any given day can include Tupperware, Pyrex, yard tools, handheld tools, small furniture, vintage albums, die-cast cars, Hot Wheels and pocket knives, among an array of items.
Being realistic, he said he expects a winter slowdown, but a big uptick in the spring.
The store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.