Thrift shop to open in downtown Antioch

An Antioch woman has found a way to pay tribute to her grandmother and serve the community at the same time.

Jennifer Welsh, 34, will open The Village Thrift Shop this summer at 921 Main St. in Antioch.

The store will be in what is now the Rose of Sharon Boutique, which is closing May 24 after three years. The store is also the former location of Antioch's longtime thrift shop, where Welsh volunteered with her grandmother, Wilma Gibbs, from the time she was 7 years old until she went to college.

"I have such fond memories of being with her in that shop," Welsh said. "She will be 93 in July, and is thrilled I'm doing this. I hope she makes it to see my opening."

Welsh worked for Sharon Westbrook, owner of Rose of Sharon Boutique, in 2007 and said when she heard the boutique was closing, it seemed like the perfect time to act on her longtime dream of opening a thrift shop.

"Thrift shops aren't for everybody, but they have a little something for everyone," Welsh said.

For the last several weeks, Welsh has been busy getting her inventory together and storing it in the Rose of Sharon basement.

Welsh plans to continue working as a financial consultant at Landolt Securities in Antioch once the store opens July 1. She has already hired two employees.

Welsh also has worked out an arrangement with Open Arms Mission to provide clothing for needy families referred by the Antioch-based food bank.

Lisa Ronzio, assistant to the executive director at Open Arms Mission, said it is extremely important for the organization to have partnerships like this.

"We're very excited because there is such a great need in this area, especially for children's clothes," Ronzio said.

Welsh said she will offer a 10 percent discount daily for seniors, students and members of the military.

"I just wanted to help the people and honor my grandmother, so this really combines the best of both worlds," Welsh said.