After three years of providing discount goods to Steinbach and area shoppers, MennoMart is ceasing operations. The not-for-profit organization is located at 62 Life Sciences Parkway in Steinbach’s east end.
MennoMart was the brainchild of local businessman Bob Schinkel. Although the existing Steinbach thrift store was thriving, Schinkel felt that there was room for another outlet where local residents and businesses could donate goods which would be repurposed and put to use instead of going into the landfill – and where all the profits would go to support only local charities.
Initially the focus of MennoMart was on construction materials and building supplies – similar to the Habitat Re-store outlet in Winnipeg. But when sources of building materials began to dry up, the store looked elsewhere for product. Store manager Steve Denault began to bring in truckloads of big-box-store returns, mostly brand new items which MennoMart could sell for 40-50% below their retail price.
While there was good community support, especially from several local businesses who generously donated product, the hope was that MennoMart would be able to offer donation receipts in exchange for goods. To that end, MennoMart applied to the Canada Revenue Agency for official charity status. Unfortunately the application and review process took much too long – and ultimately they were declined. Without the benefit of charitable status, businesses were less inclined to donate product. At the same time, operating expenses without tax relief ate into profits, leaving less for MennoMart to give to local charities. That has led to the difficult decision to close the doors.
To clear out existing inventory, MennoMart is liquidating all existing stock and fixtures. All store product will be sold at additional discounts.
