Blind Community Thrift Store

The Blind Community Thrift Store, located at 2713 N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, Missouri, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2011 that operates a thrift store offering clothing, shoes, furniture, appliances, antiques, home décor, electronics, and other merchandise at affordable prices. Originally founded as New Image Thrift Store, it was renamed in March 2021 to better reflect its mission. The store generates 100% of its proceeds to fund initiatives that provide adaptive technology to blind and visually impaired individuals, a goal that addresses the critical need for technology that enables people with visual impairments to maintain independent lifestyles and succeed in their careers. Beyond serving the blind community, the organization also supports the broader Springfield area by donating clothing, food, and household items to those in need. The store notably became the first retail establishment in the United States to implement the NaviLens system, making shopping accessible for blind and visually impaired customers without requiring assistance.