Thrift Shops: A New Look for the New Century

Not your mother's thrift shop anymore... not-for-profit shops nowadays can be large or small, locally-owned or multinational, focused or generalists. 

And it used to be that thrift stores sold merchandise, almost always used, that was donated only. No more! Now, some thrift shops accept consignments, some buy wholesale to fulfill a need in their marketplace, and some solicit brand-new merchandise from manufacturers and retailers.

This is a donations-only thrift shop?? Many of you know Brenda and Melissa, co-managers of Bargains Galore in Waupun WI. Well, I had a great visit with them!  Bargains Galore is only open for shopping on Thursdays from 10 to 8, on Fridays 10-2 and Saturdays 10-2...in a town of only 8000 people. Yet they make enough money every year to keep their NFP happy, and to keep 200 volunteers busy and productive.  They sent me this shot of their swimwear section. Lookin' good...are you sure this is a THRIFT store? Visit Bargains Galore for more photos and an amazing renovation project.

Have volunteers? Some saleable projects that might be of interest to thrift-store volunteers:

Got some fabric yardage? Make Grab-and-Go baby high chairs, a project from Frugal Baby Tips
Making "bagalopes" out of envelopes: great for "grab bags" of jewelry...or, buying bulk flower seeds and using them as a gift-with-purchase

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