A new business for home improvement supplies has opened in a location which should be familiar to anyone who has purchased building supplies in the Panther Valley area.

Construction Clearance recently moved into the former Panther Valley Lumber at 99 Riley Street on the east side of Lansford.

The new business has plans to turn the former lumberyard into a shopping destination with monthly auctions the first Friday of each month, and partnerships with other area small businesses.

“We want to do something really fun, and make people come here not only for the great value and convenience, but to make it a great experience,” said manager Ashley Heatter.

Panther Valley Lumber closed in July when its owner retired after 42 years in business. Construction Clearance’s owner Julia Atiyeh is a residential landlord whose family buys bulk building supplies to maintain their own properties. She said they recognized an opportunity to help others doing similar projects.

“We want to improve our properties and allow other people to improve their properties for the same prices we are,” she said.

Like the lumberyard, they plan to be a go-to retail for home improvement projects. The monthly auctions will help liquidate old inventory and make way for new items. Overflow parking was needed for the first auction Friday morning.

“Because of the way we purchase we can give everyone auction prices,” Atiyeh said.

Potential bidders had their pick of windows, doors, cabinets, appliances and tools. Some were residents of the greater Carbon area but had never been to the location when it was Panther Valley Lumber.

Derue Smith, who lives in Georgia, happened to be visiting family in the area. Her father, who enjoys auctions, suggested they check out the auction. She said she was hoping to take an air conditioner back to her home, where the summer has been sweltering.

“I came to see if I could get a bargain,” she said.

A food truck served up burgers and breakfast sandwiches to shoppers.

Heatter said that in the future, they hope to partner with other local small businesses to set up stands.

The store is open for regular sales Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The store receives new shipments each week. Retail shoppers will get first crack at the inventory, and anything that won’t sell will go on the block.

“Everything that doesn’t sell retail will go to auction, but you should buy now because someone else might buy it,” Atiyeh said.