SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – “Next to New” was the first-ever clothing resale store in Springfield when it opened its doors in 1953. For 73 years, the store has worked within the Christ Episcopal Church, providing funds for many non-profits in the area. Now, the store is set to close at the end of this month.
“This is the end, and it’s depressing to have conversations with so many people who depended upon this shop for the clothing for the jobs they had and needed good clothing at a very reasonable price. So that part has been emotional,” said Lynn Meinhardt, the advisory board chair for “Next to New.”
Since 1953, “Next to New” has offered a wide variety of clothing for a fraction of the price to the people of Springfield, giving a majority of its revenue to local non-profits. Last year, the store had more than five thousand visitors and sold more than nine thousand items…