Birmingham, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham has welcomed Southeastern Salvage’s largest store at the historic Golden Flake factory site. Spanning over 135,000 square feet, the store offers an extensive variety of home décor, furniture, and appliances, including nearly 5,000 rugs, creating more jobs for the community. Formerly a potato chip factory, the location carries sentimental value for locals, especially with the iconic Golden Flake clock remaining untouched. The grand opening hours will be Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Exciting New Store Opens in Birmingham: Southeastern Salvage Takes Over Golden Flake Factory
This week, Birmingham welcomed a fresh face to the shopping scene as Southeastern Salvage opened its largest store yet, occupying the historic space once home to the Golden Flake potato chip factory. This fantastic new location boasts over 135,000 square feet of indoor shopping bliss, along with two acres of outdoor space for customers to explore. With this impressive size, it surpasses other Southeastern Salvage shops, including those in Mobile and Chattanooga.
A Treasure Trove of Home Décor
Stepping into the new Birmingham Southeastern Salvage store, shoppers will discover an amazing variety of home décor and improvement items. The store offers a plethora of choices, from outdoor décor and imported pottery to furniture, rugs, and so much more. Perhaps one of the standout features is their extensive collection of rugs. Customers can choose from close to 5,000 rugs, including beautiful hand-knotted New Zealand wool options and a selection of 800 cowhide rugs priced affordably at just $49.
A Nod to History
In 2016, Golden Enterprises, the parent company of Golden Flake, was purchased by Utz Quality Foods, leading to the eventual end of potato chip production in Birmingham in June 2023 after an impressive 85-year run. Southeastern Salvage saw potential in the 36-acre campus, acquiring it for $6 million and selling most of the original equipment for $750,000, marking a significant transition for the location.
Store Features and Job Creation
The grand opening of the Southeastern Salvage store marks a new chapter in Birmingham’s retail landscape, and it also brings job opportunities for the community. The new store has created 15 new jobs, in addition to the 20 employees that were previously working at the Irondale location, which closed its doors after a 20-year lease expired.
Inside the store, shoppers will find over 150 major appliances that were not available in the smaller Irondale location, due to space limitations. With such a vast selection, the new store promises an exhilarating shopping experience for everyone, keeping in mind the memories tied to the former Golden Flake factory.
Hours of Operation and Anticipation
The Southeastern Salvage store will welcome customers Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The transition has created excitement among loyal customers, with many expected to follow to the new location, eager to discover what the expansive space has to offer. Although shoppers will find almost every item up for grabs, one sentimental piece, the iconic Golden Flake clock, will remain untouched as a cherished reminder of the past.
Conclusion
In essence, the Southeastern Salvage store not only represents a new shopping destination but also preserves a piece of Birmingham’s history. With enhanced selections and experiences waiting for customers, it’s no wonder that residents are already buzzing with anticipation to explore what this new space has in store!
FAQ Section
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What is Southeastern Salvage?
Southeastern Salvage is a retail chain offering a wide range of home décor, furniture, and improvement items at competitive prices.
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Where is the new store located?
The new Southeastern Salvage store is located in Birmingham, Alabama, in the former Golden Flake potato chip factory.
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What are the store hours?
The store is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
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What types of products can I find at the new location?
The store features a variety of items including home décor, furniture, rugs, and appliances, with a notable selection of nearly 5,000 rugs available.
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How many jobs were created with the new store opening?
The new Southeastern Salvage location has created 15 new jobs.
Key Features of Southeastern Salvage Birmingham Store
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Former Golden Flake potato chip factory, Birmingham, AL |
| Indoor Space | 135,000 square feet |
| Outdoor Space | 2 acres |
| Rugs Available | Close to 5,000, including 800 cowhide rugs |
| Major Appliances | More than 150 |
| Store Hours | Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: noon – 6 p.m. |
| New Jobs Created | 15 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Welcomes Over 50 New Businesses by 2025
Birmingham Metro Welcomes New Businesses and Developments
Birmingham Welcomes New Eateries and Projects Amid Business Changes
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Southeastern Salvage Opens Its Biggest Store
- Bham Now: Southeastern Salvage Opens New Location
- Yellowhammer News: Golden Flake Factory Site Purchased
- Wikipedia: Southeastern Salvage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golden Flake Potato Chips

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


