The Thrift Cycle…
When we were thinking about how to communicate the community impact that a thrift store could have, the first thing that came to our mind was a cycle. If you follow our social media pages you may have seen the graphic that we made to show the way our store operates. It starts when someone comes in to shop, it continues when a purchase is made, and then they are able to enjoy the item they purchase, and the cycle is brought back to the start when they decide to donate back to us. This cycle can be powerful in any thrift shop, but when it is in a shop that is as hyperlocal focused as ours, it becomes even more pronounced.
When someone comes in to shop at Merriment, even if no purchase is made, community is built. People come in and they share stories, they receive love, they get edified in truth, relationships are created, and strengthened. Some of the most fun moments are when people who are used to coming into Porkland walk into the thrift store for the first time and see Shawn or myself there. They always do a double take, surprised and excited to see we are the same ones doing this, excited to know that they can spend and be confident that their money is going straight back to building our community stronger. It also helps bring more traffic into our other neighborhood businesses like Shaheens and Jane Brothers hardware. A lot of people don’t even realize this impact and the things that can come just from them visiting the shop and telling other people. One of our Porkland regulars came in and bought a few toys for his grandson for a dollar, but he also told his friend. His friend came in, and then her son, then her son’s friends who told their bandmate. Two weeks later a group of high schoolers from Oldham County came in to buy a bunch of boots, through talking to them, I was able to trace back through about 10 different connections that all started when our friend from Porkland came in to buy a dollar's worth of toys. The effect that this one purchase had reached far beyond what he ever could have expected it to. You never know what will come of just showing up to shop, and the tangible impact when a purchase is made.
Whether someone is coming in from the community for affordable goods, or someone who can afford to shop in other places comes in, their purchase has a real impact. No matter how valuable the dollar is to someone, it makes it so much easier for them to be able to make the purchase when they know their money is going to pay for education in our community. Some people who can afford to spend a little more, decide to donate some extra money in return for the amazing prices that we offer, some come back the next day to donate a bunch of other goods for us to sell. Purchasing for a cause makes spending that money a little bit easier, and when they walk out they have a good quality item that they can be proud of.
We have high standards for the items that we offer to sell to our community. Our community deserves the best, just like every other community, and our selection provides that. That is why an important part of the cycle is up to our neighbors. It is up to them to wear the products they buy, to cook with the pots and pans we sell, to play with the toys we offer. This helps spread awareness when they are able to share with the community where they got the item and the difference that their purchase went to create. It also encourages them and others to trust the items they have to donate with us.
Merriment, like all thrift stores, depends on donations. These donations come from supporters all over the city, but also within our own community. People want to give their items to someone who needs them, because they understand that the same has been offered to them. This is the cycle of community thrifting.
It is beautiful to be able to see this whole process unfold, to see neighbors be customers and donors. Sometimes we get to see this process in rapid speed. We have been able to see people come in and find a pair of shoes or sunglasses, purchase them, take off the shoes or sunglasses they were wearing, and leave them with us to be able to put them out. We get to see our community understand the cycle, and commit to it with us, in turn supporting their community, sometimes in ways that have impact far beyond what they could have possibly imagined.
Ethan
Merriment!!!
Merriment is open for business Thursday and Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-4pm. If you have any questions or to confirm a drop off time please call (502) 901-1105. We hope to see you soon!!
Open Enrollment!!!
Mighty Oak has opened our enrollment for the year. If you or someone you know has a student in grades K-9 you can apply now. Remember, applicants must live in the Portland. All grade levels of students will be evaluated but there will not be space for every student that applies. APPLY NOW!!!
Fish Fry OPEN!!!
Stop by the Fish Fry to grab lunch, or bring the family for dinner. Churched Up Tots or a Fried Fish Sandwich. However you do it, We’d love to see you!!!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.