Save-A-Pet thrift store looking for Lake County home
Everyone remembers Rose Rose.
No, it was not just her name. Shoppers knew they would see her smile and receive a helping hand each time they visited Save-A-Pet’s Thrift and Gift Shop, which she operated for 25 years before her recent retirement.
The animal lover devoted her time to the store that provided a constant financial boost to the Grayslake shelter. She was never paid and never wanted any money because she loved the animals.
“You give. It is not always about money. You give of yourself to something you believe in,” she said.
For that dedication and more, Rose was recognized by Save-A-Pet and received its Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rose often held sales to raise money for Save-A-Pet. But after her children had grown, she wanted to do more and helped open the thrift store in Skokie.
“I thought we should start a little store and have an ongoing means of support for the shelter,” said Rose, who lives in Skokie. “Thrift stores were popular at the time and we decided it was a good thing to do.”
Rose maintained all product inventory, paid all bills, made bank deposits and recorded all sales income — all without ever using a computer. She also prided herself on creating window displays that were so attractive customers often would purchase everything within a display.
“We had a talent to display things nicely. That is part of merchandising, how to present things. That is why the store did so well. It was so appealing,” she said.
The store featured clothing, books, collectibles and jewelry, most donated by individuals. But Rose adds she was selective when choosing quality items to display and sell.
“The people who donated to us, because they were animal lovers, they gave us the very best,” she said. “I loved the store because you could always find treasures.”
She also worked with local artist Florence Frederick to create annual holiday cards, wrote newsletter copy and coordinated the volunteer staffing for the shop.
At 84, Rose retired and saw the Skokie store close.
“You know when you’ve reached the end,” she said. “It was a good run while it lasted.”
It was at her retirement, Rose said, that she learned the store’s total sales exceeded $1.4 million.
“Knowing what it had brought in was very satisfying,” she said.
Jenny Gilbertson, who worked with Rose since 2001 and ran bookkeeping for the shelter, said Rose’s work provided a constant check that helped fund food and medicine to the animals. But just as important, she promoted the shelter.
“She’s been a public face for this organization for people who never came to the shelter or ever adopted an animal,” Gilbertson said.
The thrift and gift store will move to a still-to-be determined location in Lake County, depending on occupancy expenses and finding volunteers willing to operate the shop. Various items from the Skokie shop will be available on Save-A-Pet’s eBay website this spring.