An Interview with Dale Debusschere, the Manager of the New Value Village Store Opened in Mississauga This Month

Victoria West: How and when did you get involved in the Value Village business?

Dale Debusschere: In late 1993, early 1994, while working as a factory rep for an automotive supply company in Calgary, I met the store manager and district manager at a Value Village store near my company’s warehouse. Over the next few months I became convinced that Value Village was the type of company I’d like to join and have been with Value Village since March, 1994.

VW: Why did you choose Mississauga for a new Value Village location in GTA?

DD: Toronto overall is a really important market for Value Village. We have fantastic nonprofit partners, and we have tremendously supportive shoppers. In general, though, when looking at new markets, we typically look at certain geographical areas where both Value Village and our nonprofit partners can be successful in serving local communities. Our other Mississauga store is doing very well, and we feel that the community can support and will love having a second store in the area.

VW: Did the sales go as you expected on these first days since you opened the new store to the public? Or was it lower or higher than your expectations?

DD: We were really proud of our opening weekend, and the response from local shoppers exceeded our expectations. There was definitely excitement in the community leading into our grand opening weekend!

VW: The new fall-winter fashion season has just begun and everybody is shopping for a new fall wardrobe. How does Value Village stand out among traditional retailers (i.e. malls, outlets) to attract customers and keep them, aside from the low prices?

DD: Some of the latest fall-winter trends for 2011 are perfect for thrift shopping, and we love to help our shoppers take the in-season looks and make them their own – for a fraction of the cost to buy new. We even post a guide to seasonal trends on our website at http://valuevillage.com/Fashion-Trends.aspx. Some of the ones we’ve observed right now are animal print, faux fur, timeless plaid, and deep jewel tones.

VW: For some of the fashion consumers the label name is also important. What does Value Village have to offer in terms of designer merchandise?

DD: One of the best parts about shopping at Value Village is the thrill of the hunt. Whenever someone shops at our store, they can count on finding a hidden gem whether it’s a designer vintage coat, or a designer blouse with the price tag still attached. We have more than 100,000 items on our sales floor, with 5,000 new pieces added daily – so every time you visit you will find something new and unique!

VW: Do you shop at Value Village? If yes, can you give us a few examples of some of your favorite finds?

DD: Yes, I love shopping at Value Village! Being size XLT, I rarely find my “style” of clothing in a traditional retail store because my size selection is quite limited. Big and tall stores typically have a great selection of professional, but the casual styles rarely appeal to me. With Value Village’s wide selection of styles, I know it’s just a matter of time before I’ll find the perfect item. I do have to admit that after nearly 18 years, closet space has become an issue for me. I don’t seem to be able to part with (donate) my finds as quickly as I buy.

VW: Do you encourage your friends and family to thrift shop at Value Village? If yes, are they willing to, or have they already become Value Village customers?

DD: Yes, my family and friends shop at Value Village. I talk about all of the interesting things I find at work so much that it’s inspired them to shop at Value Village even more! My friends are especially shopping at Value Village now because of Halloween right around the corner. One of my friends is going to be a zombie and he found everything he needed for his costume at Value Village for under $15! Another of my friends is planning to be Black Swan for Halloween. She found a corset, a tutu, ballet slippers, and gloves for less than $20 – she mixed new accessories and gently used items for this great costume.

VW: Are there any plans for Value Village to open new stores in other GTA locations in the future? And in Canada?

DD: We have a few more stores opening in Canada this year with one in Orillia, ON, and another in Yorkton, SK next month. But next year is also going to be a busy year with quite a few new stores opening in the U.S. and Canada, so stay tuned!

Value Village Opens a New Store in Mississauga

Value Village grand opening offers exciting secondhand shopping experience and a new store to house Community Donation Centre benefiting the Canadian Diabetes Association

October 6, 2011 – Value Village, the international chain with more than 270 locations across Canada, the U.S. and Australia, opens its second store in Mississauga. The new store offers great deals on thousands of unique items while benefiting its nonprofit partner, the Canadian Diabetes Association. The grand opening of its Mississauga location kicked off on Thursday, October 6, with an 8:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Value Village executives and representatives from the Canadian Diabetes Association.

“We’re excited to open our second store in Mississauga,” said Dale Debusschere, the new store manager. “This will be the 13th Value Village in the Toronto area, and we can’t wait to see our fantastic customers come out and discover the great finds we’ll offer. We’re also thrilled to expand our longstanding partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association, which began in 1985.”

Carrying everything from men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, to housewares, electronics and furniture, each Value Village stocks more than 5,000 new items daily and has over 100,000 unique items on the sales floor at any given time, ensuring customers continuously find a refreshed assortment of quality, value goods. At 31,885-square feet, the location will also house a Community Donation Centre, providing a convenient place for residents to drop off their reusable clothing and household goods free of charge. Value Village pays the Canadian Diabetes Association for every donated item, turning otherwise unused goods into sustainable revenue that supports their programs and services in the local community.

The new store comes in conjunction with the ever increasing thrift shopping trend, which is one of the fastest growing retail segments. Lifestyle, economy and social trends have contributed to the growth, including the popularity of do-it-yourself projects, renewed interest in vintage clothing, and importantly, environmentally and budget-conscientious consumers. Last year alone, Value Village and its nonprofit partners kept more than 500 million pounds of unused goods from ending up in landfills.

Special grand opening activities will begin Thursday, October 6 and continue through Saturday, October 8, including the chance to win one of five $100 Value Village gift certificates. The Mississauga store and Community Donation Centre, located in the former Price Chopper space at 70 Bristol Road E., Mississauga, Ontario, will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, customers may contact the store directly at (905) 361-1190 or visit http://valuevillage.com/.

About Value Village

Value Village, a Savers, Inc. brand, is a privately held for-profit global thrift retailer offering clothing and accessories for men, women and children and household goods. Through its unique business model of purchasing, reselling and recycling secondhand merchandise, Value Village benefits local nonprofit organizations, gives consumers a smart way to shop, and saves millions of pounds of quality used goods from landfills each year. Savers, Inc. has paid more than $1 billion to its nonprofit partners over the last 10 years, turning otherwise unused items into sustainable funding that supports vital community programs and services. The company operates more than 270 locations and has nearly 15,000 employees in Canada, the United States and Australia. For more information or to find a store near you, please visit http://valuevillage.com/.