Thrift shop celebrates grand re-opening in Schauburg
The grand reopening Saturday at the Shelter Inc. thrift shop in Schaumburg went off without missing a beat as patrons looking for bargains or to donate to a good cause flowed through the refreshed space.
Covering two store fronts in the busy Weatherway Plaza strip center, the operation was celebrating its new look with discounts, specials sales and prizes. Since 1975, the parent organization based in Arlington Heights has provided housing and other services for children and adolescents.
"I just enjoy giving back to the community," said Gloria Rams of Schaumburg, toting a bag of shirts and other items to donate.
"As I go through my stuff, there will be more things to donate. I wanted to see what they did with this store."
The facelift involved a fresh coat of cream-colored paint with dark blue accents. Merchandise was rearranged and the clothing, glassware, jewelry, CDs, books and other miscellany that is the bread and butter of resale shops neatly displayed.
"It's been scaled down and reorganized. We have a totally different look now," said Patricia Beck, executive director of Shelter Inc.
As is the custom, several volunteers worked in the backroom sorting, cleaning and sifting through donations. Among them was Marge Schindler, a retired 5th grade teacher from Elk Grove Village who has been at it for 10 years.
"I used to come here to donate stuff and I always liked the way the store looked," she said.
"It's like a small community," she said of those who come to help.
Among the customers were John Gul of Streamwood, who was leaving with a bag stuffed with six items for $11. He said he has been donating items and making purchases here for about six years. "I like it better than the large resale stores - it's easier to find things," he said