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A new thrift store is opening in West St. Paul that supports educators and focuses on upcycling. CRAFT Thrift Store (CRAFT stands for “Creating Resources And Funding for Teachers) will open this weekend after City Council expanded the zoning for used merchandise shops.
“CRAFT Thrift Store is unique because of its mission-driven focus on supporting educators and offering training and upcycling workshops,” said owner Angela Kapp. “Our inventory will reflect this uniqueness with items geared toward DIY projects, crafting, and upcycling, alongside high-quality thrift items.”
Where: 1253 Robert Street in the former Mattress Liquidators space.
When: The grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What: The store will offer used merchandise and spaces for training and upcycling, all while supporting teachers.
“Having worked in education, I know firsthand the challenges that teachers face, especially in terms of resources and support,” Kapp said. “I am passionate about giving back to teachers because they play such an essential role in shaping future generations. Our mission is to help ease their burden and empower them with tools and training.”
- Nonprofit?: “At the moment, CRAFT Thrift Store is structured as a for-profit venture with a mission-focused approach,” Kapp said. “However, we are dedicated to community support, and we may consider nonprofit registration in the future to further expand our impact.”
- Training space: “We want to create a community hub where training, workshops, and professional development can happen seamlessly,” Kapp said.
- Upcycle space: “It will be an interactive area where people can learn how to refinish and repurpose items,” Kapp said. It will be available to the public at no cost and they hope to have it up and running in the next few months.
Who: Angela Kapp has 30 years of experience as an early childhood educator, including opening four childcare centers. She’ll be joined by her husband, Keith, who worked in retail for 15 years before helping full time with the childcare centers in 2017.
Why West St. Paul?: “We were drawn to West St. Paul by its sense of community and the potential to make a meaningful impact here through our work,” Angela Kapp said.
Donations: CRAFT Thrift Store accepts donations by appointment.
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