Church Thrift Store Thrives in Down Economy

The purpose of the was never to make money, although its revenues have more than doubled in recent years, said Jen Malatesta, volunteer store director.

In more abundant times, shoppers were largely intermittent strangers. Church leaders directed families to the lower level shop as financial or physical needs arose. Passers-by would sometimes drop in after noticing the store's sign on Belair Road.

But as the economic downturn deepened, community members worried less about any perceived social stigma and grew more comfortable purchasing used items, Malatesta said.

The thrift store has never been busier and the shoppers have never been so regular. "Now we're on a first name basis with them. They come in every week or every month," she said.

The store is open most Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. During the month of August, everything that fits neatly inside a brown grocery bag sells for a total of $4. Individual items for infants to adults, male and female, generally run between 50 cents and $1.

Malatesta said she expects sales to increase as children go back to school. To prepare for cooler weather, the thrift store will close on Aug. 27, as volunteers replace the summer selection with dozens of bags of fall and winter items kept in storage. The shop will reopen on Sept. 3.

Revenue goes directly into the church's general fund, Malatesta said, adding that she and her staff of volunteers try to keep prices as low as possible.

"We get so many donations, we want people buying the items," she said.

Donated items cover a wide range, from fur coats to never-worn shoes to infant clothing with the tags still on. They go beyond functional, items are often even "fashionable," she said. Donations from community members are accepted at the church throughout the week and at the store on Saturdays.

Many of those who regularly donate to the store also shop there, Malatesta said.

"The purpose is to help anyone who needs usable clothing at a reasonable price," she said. "We try to help anyone who comes in."