The AIDS Healthcare Foundation's new Out of the Closet Thrift Store in Dallas, Texas provides HIV tests and counseling, in addition to selling used clothing and furniture.
The foundation's regional director told The Dallas Morning News some eager customers have already taken advantage of the free HIV testing.
"There were people accessing the tests who needed it. We did have positives," Bret Camp said of the store's opening.
Camp also said the shop is prospering so far because of each day's consistent turnover rate.
"We were really excited to see people come into the shop and buy things in the morning and then go home and clean out their closets and donate other items back to us in the afternoon," Camp said. "All the racks were replenished by Sunday."
The foundation debuted the Oaklawn area store with a grand opening celebration last weekend. Staff administered 64 HIV tests and brought in $10,000 for the organization, according to The Morning News.
The Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services told The Morning News that the store's Cedar Springs Road location is in a prime spot.
"This is where the HIV fight began," Zachary Thompson said. "Oak Lawn and the HIV service community started the fight that's still going on today as we try to lower the high HIV infection rate in Dallas County."
The Cedar Springs Merchants Association president told The Morning News the store is nice to see.
"We're really happy to see it on the street," Alan Pierce said. "It should mean a lot more daytime traffic."
The foundation currently runs 22 thrift stores, and uses ninety-six cents of each dollar received for medical expenses in the 72 clinics acround the globe. The organization saw $11.7 million in revenue from its various locations in 2013.
