KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In June, Knox Pride announced that it would expand into a new location and add around 1,500 square feet of space. The expansion was made possible by a $10,000 donation from Grayson Subaru that was matched by the community. The expansion is complete, which let Knox Pride move its Thriftique into an area that had space for additional storage and dressing rooms.
The Thriftique is meant to give people who may not be able to afford new clothes and items the chance to shop for a variety of items like handbags, shoes, hats, shirts, dresses, trinkets and plenty more. It's gender-affirming as well, giving people a chance to try out clothes that align with their gender identity in a safe space and without breaking the bank.
"I was able to move our Thriftique into our new spot, which is set up much better for retail than the other spot was," said James Allen with Knox Pride. "Then, we took the Thritique space and turned it back into our collaboration suite."
He said the collaboration suite is now the location of Knox Pride's indoor fridge, food pantry, clothing closet and personal care pantry. It also gives interns a space to work and provides other workstations for the nonprofit.
"We have an indoor community refrigerator now. That's something we didn't really have room for before," said Allen.
The third area was turned into an event space that anyone in the community can use. Knox Pride said anyone who needs the space can book it online. In the past, Allen said the space has been used for small weddings, family dinners at graduation and more.
Allen said because the new space features storage options, the new Thriftique location feels like it has more space. He also said people no longer need to change inside the location's bathroom. It has actual dressing rooms, he said.
Knox Pride will host an open house event on Sept. 7, from 12 p.m. through 6 p.m., giving people a chance to explore the new space and learn more about the resources Knox Pride offers. Allen also said it plans to provide salsa made with vegetables from Knox Pride's community garden.