Caroline Neal
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Tara Gutierrez is opening One Stop Shop Thrift on Saturday, May 3. "I wanted to do something affordable for the community where they can get nice quality items for a very low price," Gutierrez said.
RACINE — No matter the city, Tara Gutierrez likes to thrift any chance she gets, with some of her best finds including a vintage Coach purse she gifted to her cousin.
“Anytime I see something (and) it catches my eye, then I’ll just stop in and see what’s in there,” she said. “I love it because you find so many unique things.”
Now, Racine thrifting and shopping enthusiasts will have a new spot to look for their own unique finds.
Gutierrez is opening One Stop Shop Thrift at 240 Main St this weekend. Accepting donations from the community, the store will sell a variety of goods, including clothing, at affordable prices.
This comes as 8 in 10 Americans are planning to rely more on second-hand shopping to offset rising costs, according to a StorageUnits.com survey. Of that, 48% cited high traditional retail prices as the primary reason for turning to thrifting, and 69% said it was to save money.
One Stop Shop Thrift officially opens at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, with grand opening celebrations occurring from 2-4 p.m.
Gutierrez, who has been thrifting since she was in her 20s, said sheretail previously considered opening a retail store, like a boutique, but “wasn’t really interested in that” and “didn’t really know where to begin.”
But when her daughter, Fyness, suggested last year that Gutierrez open a thrift store, Gutierrez said it was “an amazing idea.”
“I wasn’t hesitant to jump into it,” she said.
For the past seven months, Gutierrez and Kirsten Murriel, her sister and business partner, have worked to prepare the store, figuring out what donations would be accepted and collecting items for the store.
In fact, Gutierrez said the store is full, and she has overflow in storage.
“The response from the community has been great,” she said. “People are excited. They’re looking forward to it.”
Gutierrez said her spot in Downtown Racine lets her be “right in the middle of everything.”
“To me, downtown is the perfect spot because it’s for everything — all types of businesses,” she said.
Gutierrez said she’s excited to meet community members who have been “looking for this type of store.”
“It’s a family friendly thrift store,” she said.
Gutierrez said she’d also like to help people find certain items that might not be available at regular thrift stores and get it for them at a low price.
Offering quality items at affordable prices is an important goal, and she’s willing to negotiate prices “to help the community.”
In her own experience, Gutierrez has noticed increased prices at some second-hand stores.
Often, when she shops second-hand, Gutierrez will spot a graphic shirt priced at $50, but in her store, customers will be able to get similar items for around $10.
“I wouldn’t sell anything that I wouldn’t buy,” she said. “But the difference is instead of going in and having to pay $50 for it, you can pay $8 or $9 for it.”
Located in the upstairs unit of a downtown storefront, One Stop Shop Thrift is a smaller space compared to other thrift stores, she said.
“Not everyone likes to be in a big environment, so I think that’s a plus,” Gutierrez said.
Although One Stop Shop Thrift is Gutierrez’s first retail endeavor, she didn’t have concerns about opening the shop.
“I have a lot of faith, and I know this is something that I was meant to do. It’s been exciting for me,” Gutierrez said. “It’s a small space that I did a lot with, and I think people will be excited to see it.”
One Stop Shop Thrift will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Currently, the store is accepting donations. Gutierrez said she’ll take “everything, even down to diapers” and board games.
However, the store is unable to take jewelry and furniture, except smaller items such as end tables, due to limited space.
To donate, call 262-412-9052.
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1 comment:
The only one's making any money is the landlord and Ratcine.
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