|
|
Saturday, January 16, 2010
|
|
Filling the void Thrift businesses thrive in downturn Senior Reporter The difficult economy has opened a door for thrift, bargain and consignment shops.
Pass It On, Pillager, opened in August next to Cedarwood Floral Shop, and has developed a following as part of a trend toward thrift stores during the recession. The floral shop is in a brick building that once served as the city's bank. The consignment shop next door is in what was once the post office. A metal mesh gate that once dropped down in the post office is still visible along the ceiling. The businesses are across the street from the Northwoods Cafe.
|
|
|
|
Sheri Hanson, owner of Pass It On consignment shop in Pillager, enjoys a good find especially clothing that comes in that is in mint condition complete with original store tags. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
Sheri Hanson and her husband, Chris, had an empty building and tried to think of a business startup that would work in the current market. Being able to buy brand items for less than retail appeared to be the ticket. Hanson said she is a thrift store shopper and goes to garage sales.
"There are a lot of us out there," she explained. So they created a thrift store that works with consignment and has new and used items. Clothes on the racks include items with original tags still intact.
Inventory includes jean brands aimed to attract teenagers. Most sweaters are priced $4.98 to $6.98 with mint condition brand name jeans at $22.98 down to $6.98. Pass It On stocks clothing and household items, with a room set aside for clothing for children and babies. Bedding, movies, video games, linens, scrub uniforms and crafts are included. The store takes in artwork from paintings to cards, candles and floral designs from area artisans.
|
|
|
|
Sheri and Chris Hanson, owners of Pass It On consignment shop in downtown Pillager, opened their thrift shop in August as a way to fill their vacant building and provide a business that would have broad appeal and put dollars back into the community. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
Hanson works full time for Lakewood Health System at the Care Center in Staples and then works at the thrift store. A friend helps out and her husband, Chris, who works full time at Crow Wing Power, also works shifts and serves as the thrift shop's chief shelf installer. The Hansons have four children.
"Like most everyone out there, we're just trying to make extra money to pay the bills," Hanson said.
She said the response to the store was immediate with a customer from Brainerd telling her the store served as a secret get-away site. Other customers come from Bemidji, Bertha and Pine River. One customer said the shop stands out from consignment shops because of its presentation. The Hansons are appreciative of the people who have taken the time to come through the doors.
Most of the items that remain in the store longer than 60 days are passed on to charities. Best sellers at the store have been the uniform scrubs, children's and junior's clothing, bedding and home decor.
|
|
|
|
Pass It On consignment shop is in downtown Pillager just off Cass County Road 1 next to Cedarwood Floral and across from the Northwoods Cafe. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
The Hansons report some consignors have received more than $100 in a month. In the first four-and-a-half months of business they gave back about $3,000 to people in the community and surrounding area.
Pass It On recently added books to its inventory. And one book stood out recently because of a prophetic handwritten message inside the front cover. The book "Adventures of a Psychic" by Sylvia Browne was inscribed "Hope you find answers within ... Jim ... Pass it on." Now that book sits on a Pass It On shelf.
In downtown Brainerd, Bearly Used & New was opened before Christmas by Melody and Greg Smith.
Greg Smith said a goal was to do something for the community. They looked at other thrift store models in the region, including Angel's Dance Thrift Store in Aitkin. They talked to Crow Wing County Social Services about creating opportunities for people in need. They are working with social services so people may come in and shop, just like any customer, and pick out three outfits for each of their children at no charge using a letter from social services or perhaps a voucher.
With so many people out of work, they are putting together a plan where people - who have a letter or voucher- will be able to pick out a job interview outfit for free. The Smiths are willing to work with area churches for documentation for members who need such assistance.
Bearly Used & New's inventory comes from donations. Items may be donated with a purpose, such as the St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School building fund so 35 percent of proceeds will go to that cause. The shop carries St. Francis school clothing with 100 percent of the proceeds from those sales going to the school's operating fund. Smith serves as chairman of the finance council at All Saints Catholic Church in Baxter.
Beyond donations, Bearly Used & New also buys overstocked items from store returns. Such inventory has included vacuum cleaners - even the robot version - remote control helicopters and AA batteries. Smith said they shop around and find good values they are able to pass along. All the clothing in the store is $2.98.
They are working on a dress room with donated formals that customers may buy and bring back in good condition to receive a refund. Then the dress may be cleaned and put back on the rack for the next customer.
With a renewed focus on saving money and shopping for bargains, the thrift and bargain stores are finding they are in style.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
|
|
|
|
|
 Top Commented Articles
Over the last 7 days
Most Recent Comments
|
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
