YWCA announces closure of Chestnut Street Mercantile

Dear YWCA Family,We are saddened to announce the closure of Chestnut Street Mercantile, formerly Surplus and Salvage, effective at 5 pm today, February 28.Retired local businessman and philanthropist Don Stein operated the business out of his warehouse at 231 Chestnut Street from 2009 until his death in November 2017. The name was changed to Chestnut Street Mercantile when YWCA Greater Lafayette took over management in April 2018 to help support our Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program.We are disappointed. Many people – paid staff and volunteers – worked hard to keep this building afloat, but the revenues have not been sufficient to offset costs, which besides salaries included rent, utilities and truck rental.When Don was with us, he was at the warehouse without salary every day to support and manage the operation. Without such a dedicated volunteer manager and to keep costs in line with revenues, we loaned YWCA staff to oversee the operation.Obviously, when YWCA staff was spending time at the Mercantile, they could not devote the needed time to their primary responsibilities here. This was not a sustainable solution, yet income was insufficient to pay for a full-time, experienced manager and meet all the other operational expenses.We wish to thank board members and staff who worked diligently to bring success to this endeavor. It was a difficult decision, but one that is made for the betterment of YWCA Greater Lafayette.The Stein family will hold a liquidation sale from 10 am to 4 pm daily on March 8, 9 and 10 with all profits being shared with local charities.In the future, please consider donating furniture to Trinity Mission Thrift Store and household goods to your favorite charitable organization. It is suggested that clothing donations be given to any Goodwill location with a designation for YWCA. Vouchers will be given to our domestic violence program upon request.Thank you for your continued support of YWCA Greater Lafayette as we celebrate 90 years of eliminating racism and empowering women in our community. Sincerely,Allison BeggsExecutive Director