Hurricanes

Smithfield warehouse sale helps recoup Hurricane Matthew losses

Smithfield businesses are getting creative on ways to rebuild after Hurricane Matthew and Saturday was the second day of a flood sale to help raise money for a damaged warehouse.

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SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Smithfield businesses are getting creative on ways to rebuild after Hurricane Matthew and Saturday was the second day of a flood sale to help raise money for a damaged warehouse.

Inside a warehouse on Brightleaf Boulevard, rows and rows of knickknacks were for sale.

“We came to look at the ornaments and decorations and we heard about Halloween and Christmas and we were excited about that,” said shopper Emily Fox.

Businesses like Carolina Pottery stock supplies in the building, owned by import business owner Perry Harris. Harris, who has owned the business for more than 15 years, had no flood insurance because the 42-year-old warehouse, which once was used to store tobacco, wasn't in a flood zone.

The items up for grabs were salvaged during the flood two weeks ago when 20 inches of rain filled the area where customers stood Saturday afternoon.

“They look great. It doesn’t look like many of them had any damage at all,” Fox said.

Everything on sale ranged in price from $2 to $20, but the sale was about quantity rather than quality. Every dollar raised helped make a difference.

“It helps our community by purchasing their products that they wouldn’t normally be able to sell due to it being destroyed from the hurricane,” said shopper Leslie Ingram.

The proceeds from the sale will help offset the estimated $1 million in merchandise lost in the flood. In return, the Smithfield community had the opportunity to find some great bargains.

“We are getting them at a much lower price than they would retail for,” said shopper Jason Beal.

Though some of the pieces for sale may be random or out of season, the purpose is to lend a hand.

“This community feels very strongly about working together and helping each other out so this is a very easy way for people to come together and help their neighbors,” said shopper Erika Beal.

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