Junior League Thrift Shop Gets New Name, Logo

Thursday's weather was balmy and bright, but at the Junior League of Summit's Second Time Around thrift shop, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. December 3rd was not only the opening of the annual Holiday Boutique and Toy Fair, it was also the ribbon-cutting for the newly-rechristened store. The shop was decorated and filled with holiday goods for the occasion, and Mayor Jordan Glatt was on hand for the festivities.

From the front porch of the shop, Samantha Ekert, president of the Junior League of Summit, spoke to an audience of about 50 League members and shoppers.

"This is a special day," she said. "The Junior League has been active in Summit for 80 years, and the shop has been here for 75. We decided it was time for a new logo and a new name."

Ekert credited Shop co-chairs, Colleen Markley and Jennifer Kowantz, for sorting through member suggestions, researching the thrift store market, and organizing Thursday's event. 

Glatt cited the "many good works" the Junior League does in Summit. He noted that, to his knowledge, there is no other store in town that has been in operation for 75 years.

"I look forward to another 75 years," he said, as the new sign was revealed by volunteers. Glatt and Ekert cut a ceremonial red ribbon at the base of the front stairs. 

"Come on in and shop," said Ekert, ushering shoppers in the front door.

To celebrate the event, shoppers received a children's book as a gift, and the first 150 paying customers were given reusable red shopping bags that bear the new logo. Shoppers were also given coupons good in January, "so you can come back and get something for yourself," said Ekert with a laugh.

Second Time Around is marketing itself in new ways to go with the new look. Markley explained that shoppers who are seen around town sporting the new shopping bag can "get caught" in one of two ways. First, if a League member spies a bag, she will e-mail the shopper a shop coupon. The second way to earn a coupon is for a shopper  to e-mail a photo of herself using the bag.

With permission, the League will add the photo to the new "About Town" section of the Web site. Markley notes that Second Time Around is also on Twitter and Facebook, and encourages shoppers to take a look online.

Second Time Around is ready not only for its new name, but for the festive season ahead. Once the door opened, shoppers poured in to browse and buy. The first floor is stocked with men's clothing and accessories and decorative household items galore. A tree is covered with ornaments to purchase, and many items are brand-new.

Likewise, upstairs has seasonal clothing and new toys and games for all ages. Popular items included brand-new Uggs, perfume sets, American Girl items, Barbies, and Star Wars toys. Prices are often far less than half-price, making this  the season to shop at Second Time Around.