The aftermath of Hurricane Helene tested the strength and determination of countless individuals and businesses across Asheville. Among those affected was WNC Bridge’s retail operations, which faced significant challenges due to flooding and storm damage.

Despite the devastation, the resilience of our community has shone brightly. From the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers to the outpouring of support from customers and neighbors, every step of the journey toward recovery has been a testament to the power of collective perseverance.

In this update, Skip Wade reflects on the struggles, triumphs, and gratitude that have defined our path to reopening.

As many of you are aware, our thrift store and estate sales have faced significant challenges following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Although our circumstances were challenging, we are fortunate that they were not as severe as those faced by many other businesses in our community.

The landscape in Asheville has changed dramatically as countless business owners assess their next steps amidst ongoing struggles. Our neighbors in Biltmore Village are all facing unimaginable challenges. It breaks my heart to see related businesses like Regeneration Station, The Marquee, and Tobacco Barn start from scratch after the catastrophic flooding.

How Do You Do This?

Unfortunately, there is no manual for “how to salvage a business after a catastrophic flood,” leaving us all to navigate the process on our own.

At WNC Bridge, we were fortunate to keep our staff members employed during our extensive cleanup and rebuilding efforts. For many of our hourly employees, who live in a town with a high cost of living, every hour of income is crucial.

Since the storm, our dedicated staff has spent countless hours clearing flood-soaked items and fixtures from our building, rebuilding damaged checkout counters, painting, washing, and restocking our sales floors.

In early November, we felt it was safe to bring back our devoted volunteers. Their return has been a breath of fresh air—these incredible individuals have generously given their time to assist in our store’s continued cleaning and restocking efforts. Their unwavering support has made a significant impact on our future business.

Like many, we are still waiting to see what insurance will cover. However, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of encouragement we’ve received—emails, texts, and phone calls from regular customers, friends, and community members have uplifted our spirits. Your support has made a tremendous difference in our morale.

We Are Open For Business, Again!

And now, I am thrilled to announce that WNC Bridge retail operations have officially reopened! We held our first estate sale on Thursday, November 14th, and our thrift store reopened on November 18th. Seeing our regular customers again, many of whom shop with us two or three times a week has filled me with joy. The storm’s forced closure of our store resulted in the longest stretch I had gone without seeing our volunteers since I first started working there.

Since reopening, our sales have exceeded expectations and we have received amazing items donated to help us recover.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we recognize that many in our community are still struggling, mourning, and striving to survive. Let us continue to support one another and uplift those who are in need during this difficult time. Together, we can rebuild and strengthen our community.

Thank you for standing with us.

Skip Wade,
Director of Retail Operations