The Olive Tree’s CEO, Becky Schille, couldn’t wait to open the doors at the non-profit organization’s new Reclaim location after moving to a more permanent home closer to the downtown core. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
You never know what you’ll find at the new Reclaim store, it’s always an adventure.
Those were the words of Becky Schille, CEO of The Olive Tree, as she talked about the non-profit’s new more permanent Reclaim location, located at 5302 50 Ave.
What’s even more fitting is the new store is located in the old J&R Automotive Service and Performance Centre location, a reclaimed building in its own right.
“The opening was great, the new building is great, and change is great. We’re super excited to be downtown and closer to our sister location,” said Schille.
“It’s a bigger space, it’s brighter, and we’re looking forward to all the new things this building will hold for us.”
The original Reclaim store, located at 6306 50 Ave., opened during COVID times just over two years ago, and after only being opened for a short amount of time, it was clear they needed more space.
“We needed more space and we needed something a bit different,” said Schille. “We purchased this location so that just means a little permanency for us. We like to make things our own and we’re looking towards the future.”
And that future is looking bright.
Walking through the new store, you would never know it used to be home to an automotive shop, but with some dedicated passion and a whole lot of cleaning, it’s easy to get lost in one’s imagination.
“We have a team of really cool people that are passionate about what we do. Bonnie, one of our ladies here, loves antiques and oddities, design and being creative, and we all love the idea of reclaiming things that are old and wacky,” she said.
“When you come in here I hope you see that things aren’t normal; our ceiling tiles don’t match, the flooring is different, and that’s what’s so cool about it.”
Schille noted she believes the original walls of the building were constructed in 1947, making the Olive Tree’s happily-ever-after story that much more special.
“A lot of the walls in our first bay are brick, and they’re original, and that adds a really cool element to the shopping experience,” she said.
With the building being as historic as it is, Schille explained it wasn’t basic construction work.
“They would take down a layer of plywood and find a layer of something unfamiliar behind it and take that down as well; we actually found old maps of Lloydminster in between two of the layers,” she said.
“Renovating was a little tricky, but it’s always an adventure.”
Schille also explained the new location’s bathrooms are now wheelchair accessible, something she said was important to everyone at the non-profit.
With business on the rise, Schille knows an important aspect of any business is making sure clients know where you’re located.
“You have to get people used to where you’re located in the new building,” she said. “The only downside to this location is the entrance from the east by the tracks. Lots of people don’t see it yet, but we’ve actually added an entrance from the west side, so if you’re driving a bigger vehicle and there’s a train, you can sneak in from the west side.”
The Reclaim store is also unique in the sense that all proceeds from sales go right back into helping the community.
“You’re helping to feed a local family,” she said. “All of the profits from both the thrift store and reclaim are donated to the Olive Tree Community Centre, and into our food bank and soup kitchen programs, so it’s really feel-good shopping.”
The original ReClaim store will remain open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the foreseeable future and is currently acting as a discount centre.
“We didn’t move anything from the old building,” said Schille. “We set this store up and we’re selling that store out, so there’s lots of great deals to be found.”
The new store’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and donations can be dropped off at the new location using the new west entrance.
