Looking for a Bargain? Come On In Shoppers

There it was. 

Behind the glass-enclosed case was a yellow-brown leather Kate Spade tote, gently worn, but unmistakable in its classic and simple detailing, with a bargain price tag of $20. 

Obviously it wasn’t in the handbag department at Nordstrom, where Ms. Spade’s designs hover around $200 or more. It was right here in town—at the

“People come in and are usually surprised at some of the good deals we have,” says Connie Muldowney, who started out as a volunteer when her son was a student at in the 1980s. Now she manages the shop. 

“Last week, I sold a Gucci bag for $25,” she says. “The lining was ripped, but otherwise it was in good condition.”

For some, thrift store shopping is all about the hunt or the dig, and hopefully that pearl in the oyster.  

Still, for others, shopping at the MFS Thrift Shop has happened out of necessity, says Muldowney, as the economy has sputtered in recent years.

“Even though this is Moorestown, there are still people in the community who are struggling financially,” she says. “We help a lot of people, who can’t afford top prices.”

The MFS Thrift Shop started in the 1970s as an alternative way to raise money for the school. Proceeds from the store have helped fund the auditorium, the computer lab, the library writing center, the school’s west building, and new furnishings for the faculty kitchen.

They moved to the present location—a two-story building—on Chester Avenue in 1990, across from the old rail station, in a quest for more space.

Many of the donations, which are dropped by the side door, come in when people downsize houses. That explains some of the chairs, curios and a stunning pine hutch, circa-1840s, selling for $3,500.

Clothes and shoes are dropped off when folks grow bored of a garment or when styles change: A couple of vintage pocketbooks could be costume props for the TV series Mad Men. 

Other gems are discovered when Auntie Helen’s attic is cleaned out by family members.

“This tuxedo,” says Muldowney, holding up a frock coat and trousers, “is from the 1880s and was donated by a woman, who was selling her relative’s house.”

Stacked from floor to ceiling, the first floor has tablecloths, dolls, toys, cookbooks, jewelry, glassware, china, paintings, and planters, all meticulously placed on shelves and walls by Muldowney and her staffers. 

Nancy Brady, one of the clerks who’s been working at the shop for nearly five years, labors effortlessly in a back room sorting through bags of donations, but she says she doesn’t mind.

“Everything is checked thoroughly. And an antique appraiser is called in when an item requires authenticity,” says Brady. 

For example, a 3x5 Oriental rug was dropped at the store one day. The beautiful silk carpet in vivid blues and reds was appraised for almost three times the $600 it is now selling for. 

“The appraiser said that price is very good for a silk rug,” Muldowney adds.

Some things may never be used or worn again, but there are all kinds of collectors out there looking for unique items. 

A man’s Victorian stovepipe hat is selling for $300. Muldowney says the hat—which bears a stamp from the Philadelphia hatter, Dyer Hat Company—was probably handcrafted there back in the day. A handsome wooden hatbox with a satin lining comes along with the hat.  

And carefully draped over the balustrade is an antique quilt, presumably from the 1890s, selling for $150, a steal for a collector.

The second floor houses more books, clothing (infant’s, children’s, women’s and men’s), shoes and artwork.

Four times a year, Muldowney sends email blasts to regulars alerting them of end-of-season discounts, offering up to 50 percent off many products. 

“Clothing purchases account for more than 40 percent of our sales,” says Linda Schmeer, who handles the accounting.

Muldowney says some pieces are later sold on eBay or donated to area charities like Providence House, New Visions and The American Friends Service Committee.

“We try to be an asset to the community,” says Muldowney, and then adds, “And the shopping can be fun, too.”

The Moorestown Friends School Thrift Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pickup is available by appointment for certain items by calling 856-234-1567.