A local store is seeking support from the community to keep going strong

Thrift shopping…it’s the thrill of the hunt… And some of the things that you find can surprise you.

You’ll never know what you are eyes will see…from clothes, electronics, kitchen, household items, and more.

The Salvation Army store in Superior is looking for help from the community in many areas of the business to help keep the thrill of thrifting there alive.

“The most help from the community, not only to spread the word that we are here and we’re affordable for all budgets, but also that we are here and; we need volunteers to come in. It is an easy basis for volunteering. You can hang clothes and sort clothes, straighten the racks, and you can do it on your own time. So, we want to be able to be there for the community in the long term and to be able to do that. Not only do we need shoppers to come in, but, we also would like to see more volunteers work,” said Paula Cummings, the Salvation Army Store Manager.

As the Salvation Army is seeking help, the hours of the story have been reduced from 6 days a week to five days. Opening Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 am-5 pm.

On July 1st, the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Duluth closed. The Superior location has dealt with some setback with Covid-19 and other things like staffing, but they are building back daily. Before the pandemic, the store was not only thriving but it was also able to give back to the community.

Cummings said the store is hoping to add some more foot tracks through their door daily. “We are not getting any new shoppers. And to sustain a store, you need your regulars. But then you also need new shoppers to come on in. Our shopping clientele right now is more 55 and older.”

Some of the shoppers they are looking for are; “younger folks to realize that we are here. We have pretty good prices. We have things that you can use day to day, Cumming mentioned. We have some really nice things that you might want that are not going to be wholesale prices.”

Inflation has made people take a deeper look into their budget and where their money should go. Thrifting can be one of the best ways to get things that you want and maybe need is a good place to go shopping.

“Keeping the prices low is what we are trying to reconsider lock the door the store back into instead of trying to keep up with all the other stores. And so to be able to maintain those prices staying low and sustain the store, we do need more clientele to come in so we can continue to keep those prices low,” says Cumming.

Items can range in different prices like baby clothes for $1.99, dishes for $1.99 or less, and keeping, adult clothes and shoes under $10. Every Tuesday, senior citizens can get a 25% discount on everything in the store.
“I can get three times, four times, five times more stuff here than I could by buying one thing at a department store,” said Nancy Stanius.

Stanius shared that she gets more for less when she thrifts and can help her children and grandchildren. “If I can help my daughter, who is a single mom living on a restricted budget during, you know, all this inflation, it helps her.”