Something old becomes new in customer's hands at Hope is Alive Ministries' Retreads Thrift

Amid colorful racks of clothing, shiny displays of jewelry and assorted odds and ends, a sign on the wall of a local store shares a message: "Old Stuff = New Life."

Lance Lang said the signage has a dual meaning that is particularly fitting for Retreads Thrift Store, a new enterprise by Hope is Alive Ministries. The ministry, which opened on June 1 at 9470 N May in the The Village, was founded by Lang and his wife Allyson, and the couple currently serve as the nonprofit's co-chief executive officers.

"That's kind of what this is about, giving new life to old things, things that might have lost their purpose now have a new purpose," Lang said. "So there's a double meaning of both the products and the store, because all the funds support the ministry."

The store's name, Retreads, Lang said, means putting new tread on old tires, which also hints at its purpose.

Oklahoma City-based Hope is Alive, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, is all about helping individuals in addiction recovery, along with their families, discover hope and the newness of life.

Lang said Hope is Alive's mission is to radically change the lives of addicts, alcoholics and those who love them by providing recovery homes for men and women and support groups for the loved ones of addicts and alcoholics. The ministry has recovery homes in Oklahoma and several other states. Its Finding Hope support groups are for people whose loved ones struggle with addiction, while Hope After Loss support groups are for people whose loved ones died while in the throes of addiction.

Lang said in addition to serving as an additional funding source, the Retreads store offers employment opportunities to Hope is Alive alumni and current participants.

He said the store also gives Hope is Alive supporters a new way to volunteer with the ministry and also a way to back the ministry by donating items. People have responded favorably to the ministry's request for donated items. On a recent tour of the store, Lang showed that the shop's large back room was filled with bags, bins and boxes items of donations destined for the Retreads sales floor.

'Beacon of hope'

Hope is Alive leaders began searching for a prime location for Retreads in January.

Lang said the storefront near the corner of Britton Road and May Avenue was chosen because of the high traffic there but also because it is not far from some Hope is Alive recovery homes and neighborhood residents who may be inclined to donate items.

Lang said they were intentional about creating a positive, bargain-filled atmosphere for thrift store shoppers.

"We wanted it to feel like a boutique and to have a retail store vibe," he said.

The store has a rewards program, a "Last Chance Lane" rack offering 50%-off items, and a variety of merchandise including men's, women's and children's clothing and shoes, plus jewelry, accessories, baby items, toys and books, electronics, household goods and décor.

Meanwhile, Lang said just as important as providing a ministry revenue source, Retreads serves as a brick and mortar location to share information about all that Hope is Alive is doing in Oklahoma and beyond.

Along those lines, information about the ministry is featured along one wall of the store, including pictures of Hope is Alive participants whose lives have been turned around for the better. Hope is Alive brochures and merchandise are displayed in the store, and customers may take complimentary bibles from a display area near the register.

Lang said customer after customer has asked store staff members about Hope is Alive and staff members get to share the ministry's story and mission. In that way, he said Retreads offers hope to the community by telling more and more people about a life-changing ministry.

How to Help

Hope is Alive's Retreads Thrift store at 9470 N May is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, and closes on Mondays. For more information about the store, go to https://hopeisalive.net/retreadsthrift/ or the Retreads Thrift Facebook page. For more information about Hope is Alive Ministries, go to https://hopeisalive.net/.