CAITLIN WALKER PHOTO
MEEKER | Lacey Richardson Morales is no stranger to running a thrift and consignment shop. She started helping her great-grandmother Lena Richardson in her thrift shop in downtown Meeker almost 30 years ago. That experience is part of the inspiration behind the name of Meeker’s newest thrift and consignment shop: Ya-Ya’s, located at 390 Market St. in the old Pizza Hut building.
“Ya-Ya is Greek for grandma,” Morales said.
In the last month and a half, Morales and a small army of family and friends have transformed the former restaurant into a clean, cozy and amazingly well-stocked thrift store, ready for clientele. Since last Wednesday’s grand opening and ribbon cutting, business has been steady, Morales said.
“The community really came together and donated, and we got some inventory from other stores,” Morales said. Morales and husband Octavio—the newlyweds tied the knot on July 29, just two days before the store opened—look forward to giving back to the community in various ways throughout the year. “We’ve been blessed with help,” Morales said. “We want to help others.”
Ya-Ya’s has space for donations behind the building, and donations are accepted at any time. People who donate items can come in to the store for a tax receipt if they wish. Consignment items are received by appointment. To set up an appointment, call 970-693-1031.
The store will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A room in the back is set aside for kids’ items—clothing, toys and more. Morales wants customers to know the store is “kid-friendly.”
Inventory changes daily—even hourly, according to Morales’ mom, Robin Bricher, with new things being added “all day, every day.” They’re in communication with other consignment shops for fresh inventory, as well.
By Niki Turner | [email protected]
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