Business has “shot through the roof” at one hospital thrift store where the biggest concern now is keeping up with demand, while at a like-minded cousin that bills itself as an “upscale resale shop,” it”™s business as usual.
Call it a mixed message for these decidedly mixed times.
“The economy being the way it is, we”™re in need of getting donations,” said Charles Martinez, manager of the Piggy Bank, a thrift store in Hartsdale sponsored by The Auxiliary of White Plains Hospital Center. “My fear is that we”™re going to run out of donations because people are being more cautious and hanging on to their clothes.”
All proceeds from the Piggy Bank benefit the White Plains Hospital Center. This year so far, $10,000 has been donated through the Piggy Bank. Â
The volunteers at the Piggy Bank, however, refuse to cave on quality.
The shop has a 50-year tradition of accepting and selling items for sale that are only in excellent condition.
“I love fashion, and we have a lot of it here,” said Myra Samotin, a volunteer who has worked at the Piggy Bank for 15 years. Â
Ladies and children”™s clothing can be found at the Piggy Bank from $6 to $35.
“We can pretty much dress you for any event,” said Dionne McCoy, supervisor of the Piggy Bank. “As the donations come in, we all sit together and before we stick a tag on it we make sure it”™s up to par for selling.”
McCoy said sales have “shot through the roof” in the past couple of months, but is concerned that donations of clothing may not continue to match the demand.
And, “when people bring in donations they very often shop, too,” said Mary Reinthaler, a representative of The Auxiliary of White Plains Hospital Center.
The Piggy Bank has14 volunteers, all of whom make the success of the store possible.
Martinez said the hospital”™s gift shop is another outlet for the hospital to make money; there are 30 volunteers there.
“If I ever need help or I”™m shorthanded, I can always count on my volunteers to help me,” Martinez said. “My volunteers are totally committed and if we”™re in a pinch they”™ll help out.”
Every month, the Piggy Bank runs special sales that add up to significant savings. From December 9 to 20, ladies suits and blazers will be discounted 50 percent. And, during the holidays, the purchases made at the Piggy Bank can also be gift wrapped free by bringing them and the receipt to the gift shop at the hospital.
Accents on Antiques is an upscale antiques and collectibles retail shop in Pelham operating for the exclusive benefit of Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle.         Â
“As far as our sales I don”™t see any difference,” said Rita Borell, store manager. “People are still consigning their items here and lots of people are donating their items here, and because we are an upscale resale shop, it”™s less expensive for people to come and shop here and they get quality merchandise.”
