ATLANTA, GA (July 28) – Recently, we walked through our “basement” and discovered that many of the items stored there could actually help a person or family with limited resources. So, we brainstormed and came up with a new retail concept that we called Vinny’s Weigh-n-Pay. Vinny’s is a thrift store that sells essential clothing and household items by the pound. That’s right, clothing, kitchen utensils, toys and many other items are just $1 a pound. Over the years, like many families, our “basement” has accumulated all kinds of stuff that got stashed, stored and sometimes forgotten. Our “basement” is our back warehouse, which is much larger than the typical family basement.
Recently, we walked through our “basement” and discovered that many of the items stored there could actually help a person or family with limited resources. So, we brainstormed and came up with a new retail concept that we called Vinny’s Weigh-n-Pay. Vinny’s is a thrift store that sells essential clothing and household items by the pound. That’s right, clothing, kitchen utensils, toys and many other items are just $1 a pound.
Larger items are bargain priced to sell. For example, adult bikes are $12 each, and kids’ bikes are only $8. TVs cost only $11 and microwaves are just $6. Large appliances such as dryers, clothes washers, stoves and refrigerators range in price from $35 to $300, depending on their condition. Vinny’s also sells exercise equipment, sporting goods and health care products such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower seats and crutches, all at bargain basement prices.
Since it opened in May, Vinny’s Weigh-n-Pay has attracted many shoppers who are eager for bargains and willing to spend the time to hunt for knickknacks, pots, appliances, furniture, crafts materials and good basic clothing. One of our long-time supporters even found a set of golf clubs he simply had to have. They were a real bargain at only $2 per club.
Although St. Vincent’s offers bargains to the general public, our goal is to fulfill our mission by making good essential items available to people who have very limited resources. For those who show up on our doorstep with no money, but needing clothing, we serve them in Vinny’s.
The revenues from Vinny’s, like those from our thrift stores, help provide much needed financial assistance to people in need. Housing, utility and medical payments and other direct services may be given to the poorest among us, addressing the core of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission.
http://www.theweekly.com/news/2005/July/28/St._Vincent.htmlSource
Tags: Anti-poverty strategies
