New Life Thrift

A Shopping Experience Worth the Trip

By Deborah Daley

You notice it immediately when you walk into New Life Thrift—the welcoming atmosphere. Employees greet you warmly, there is music playing, and everyone is enjoying their shopping experience. That mood is led by store manager Steve Sheridan, who embraces the Christian spirit of giving back to the community and making a positive difference in people’s lives. He has been at the store’s helm for 17 years, and he sees this work as his life’s calling.

An Omaha native, Steve graduated from Cathedral High School. He spent much of his career in restaurant and hotel management, as well as car sales. “That training gave me a profound appreciation of the customer,” he says. “In any service industry, you must put the customer first. Here at our store, all our customers are important to us, no matter how much money they spend. We appreciate your business, and we want you to know it! We know people need us, and we are here to help.”

Another thing that makes New Life Thrift a gem among resale shops is its sheer magnitude. The building used to be a Safeway grocery store, and New Lift Thrift occupied just part of the space. “We expanded a couple of years ago, and now we occupy the entire building,” Steve shares. “We have thousands of square feet of items.” 

The immense size of the showroom doesn’t mean you’ll have trouble finding what you’re looking for. It’s so well organized! The retail showroom features furniture, appliances, housewares, collectibles, shoes, clothing, home goods and décor, and much more. The sections are clearly marked, and sizes are easy to find. There is a women’s higher-end apparel and accessory boutique, as well as a designated Christmas shop. Every September, the Christmas shop opens Wednesday through Saturday, and it stays open until the end of the year. 

New Life Thrift recently received a designation from BestThingsNE.com as the #1 thrift store in Nebraska. The website, authored by Katie Griffing, ranks various retail operations, restaurants, and other activities within the state. Her sentiment is echoed by customer Toe Kid. “New Life Thrift is by far THE BEST thrift store I’ve been to in east Nebraska,” Toe attests. “Locally owned, lots of inventory to look through, great prices, and the friendliest staff. There is a big selection of books, furniture, and clothing especially. Definitely a must-shop thrift store when in the Omaha/Bellevue area.”

The ever-changing inventory is something that keeps customers coming back, Steve says. “Our inventory changes every day. Many customers come daily because they know they may find some new treasure.” The store also offers daily specials and tag discounts sales. “We want this experience to be positive and easy on the wallet.”

The community must appreciate that, because business is thriving—the store averages about 175 transactions a day. Steve notes that more young families are visiting New Life Thrift, and he is excited that they are finding what they need. If you live in the Omaha area and have something to donate, the store will come and pick it up for free. All you have to do is schedule the truck.

Steve’s giving spirit also extends to the charity that the store supports. A percentage of every single sale at New Life Thrift goes to support The Hope Center for Kids in north Omaha. This youth center literally takes local kids off the streets by giving them a place to go after school where they can be young and safe. It is home to multiple learning spaces, including the Hope Employment and Learning Academy, a commercial kitchen and cafeteria, and The Hope Skate roller rink. In 2014, The Hope Center for Kids expanded its impact by opening a second site in Pastor Ty’s hometown of Fremont, Nebraska. Activities include tutoring, other educational work, and sports. Through these two locations, The Hope Center for Kids serves over 2,700 children and families each year.

Steve is passionate about helping his community through thrift and service. The love for this ministry is shared by New Life Thrift’s employees, many of whom have been with the thrift store for more than a decade. That includes members of Steve’s family—three of his daughters (Carry, Amanda, and Sara) work with him.

If you are looking for a great shopping experience and great deals at a business that gives back to the community, stop by New Life Thrift. It will exceed your expectations! 

New Lift Thrift is located at 7007 South 36th Street, in Bellevue, and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information about the store’s mission and services, call 402-731-9311 or visit them online at newlifethrift.net. 

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