NEW ORLEANS — The old Lowe's at Read and the I-10 Service Road officially started a new chapter on Friday, as home to Goodwill Industry's New Orleans East Complex. The space will house retail and outlet stores as well as a recycling center for the community.
WWL Louisiana's Brandon Walker got a tour of what officials hope will be an economic boost for the East.
A brass band's welcome brought the boogie, as customers strutted in on a two-step.
Inside the Goodwill's new complex in the East, you'll see sights both common and others of which you may not know. The retail space includes items from dinnerware to formal wear.
Or if bulk's your thing, the outlet store allows customers to buy by the pound. Revenue from the store goes back into serving the community.
Take, for instance, Gregory Rogers, a New Orleans East resident. "I've been doing hospitality all my life, 50 years," he said.
Rogers hopes to continue, so he's applying for work with help from Goodwill trainer, Anirea. They do so in a space called the opportunity center, which Rogers said does just that.
“Availability. Location. I live right here in New Orleans East anyway and it’s easily accessible," Rogers said.
“We’ve been looking at this facility for many years," said Jodee Daroca, CEO and President for Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana. "And felt that this part of our territory was really underserved by us.”
The 139,000-square-foot space, all told. Housing Goodwill's 23rd retail store, first outlet, a space for recycling, and its fifth opportunity center.
“Really what we are is about workforce development and about moving barriers to employment and about hiring people,” Daroca said.
Rogers said he will share the word. With his application filled out, Rogers said he's ready and wants the same for others.
“When you look in the mirror, how many persons do you see? Their response is one," he said. “Take care of that person.”
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