Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassadors joined hands in welcoming Lisa West, the owner of Just Threads and More, as they celebrated their ribbon-cutting event. Just Threads and More, a unique closeout store, is now open for business at 1220 South Main Street in Bluffton, Indiana.
Lisa West’s journey to entrepreneurship is a remarkable one. After relocating to Indiana from the south five years ago, Lisa worked for a company in New Haven for 35 years as a regional director, managing territories in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. Following an agreement with her previous employer to consolidate regional roles into one location, Lisa made the transition to work part-time and pursue her dream of opening her own store locally.
Just Threads and More, initially located in Decatur, has now moved to Bluffton in response to their expansion plans and goals for a larger building next spring. West shared, “We could easily bring out 20 more racks of inventory to the floor; however, we can’t do that right now because we’ve run out of floor space.” West emphasizes that Just Threads and More is not a thrift store but a closeout store that offers a wide selection of new seasonal clothing.
The store sources its inventory from closeout companies that purchase surplus items from various sources, including department stores. “Our buyers constantly seek out new and different companies to expand our inventory,” said West. Just Threads and More also features consignment items, provided they are brand new products or handmade from new materials, such as soaps, mugs, and journals. The store carefully curates its product offerings to meet the needs and preferences of its customers.
To further enhance the shopping experience, Just Threads and More maintains a preferred customer list, offering exclusive text message alerts for special sales, including discounts of up to 60 percent off regular prices. Customers celebrating their birthdays during the week receive a special 50 percent discount on any item. First Responders are also acknowledged with additional discounts.
Beyond retail, Just Threads and More operates the Ephesians Project, a small ministry that holds regular Bible shares, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with scripture and connect over a shared meal. The ministry also extends support to the homeless by providing clothing and food resources, and donations of gently-used clothing are accepted.
Lisa West is not alone in this venture; her family members, including her son and sister, are actively involved in helping run the business. Since moving into the new space at 1220 South Main Street, the team has undertaken significant renovations, including painting, rearranging, and adding dressing rooms. They have plans to further expand and update the flooring to accommodate their growing inventory.
Just Threads and More offers a diverse selection of clothing for men, women, children, and babies — including formal and pageant dresses, toys, shoes, jewelry, and hair accessories. While space is currently a challenge, the team is committed to making the most of the available area and providing a delightful shopping experience.
Just Threads and More is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays being their designated day of closure.
