New Charity Store in Pine River – Pine and Lakes Echo Journal

PINE RIVER — For years, Pine River has had a thrift store scene, including two charity shops on Barclay Avenue and a pawn shop on Highway 371.

Last year it was just Hidden Jewels on Barclay. On August 22nd Lisa Quinn stepped in to increase that number to two.

Quinn’s Family Fashion Thrift Store, located at the corner of Barclay and Second Street North, even got help from former owners Thrifty Living and The Tradesmen.

She got her clothes racks from Thrifty Living, and many of her coat racks come from The Tradesmen. First, Threads for Ed in Backus stepped in to give her surplus clothes.

“That’s why I plan to give them a percentage to help their school (Foothills Christian Academy), which helps our community a lot,” Quinn said.

Quinn said she got the idea from her former employers, who owned nursing homes in the area. But she didn’t want to take away business from other thrift stores in town.

However, she believes that thrift stores attract more people if the couple goes there close to each other.

“I didn’t want to feel like I was trying to compete with them,” Quinn said. “But I think thrifting actually brings people together. A lot of people go to thrift stores to go from store to store.”

Most thrift stores offer at least a small selection of household items in addition to large quantities of clothing, but Quinn decided to sell exclusively clothing, shoes and accessories.

Quinn has created a family-friendly environment in her store.

“I want them to feel like it’s a welcoming place and a place they’d want to come and enjoy,” she said. “There’s a play area for kids, so people can bring their family and kids. There’s also a seating area for people who need a break or for their husbands if they don’t feel like shopping.”

One thing that may set Family Fashion Thrift apart from other stores is its fixed prices.

“All shirts are $4, and all children’s clothing is $2,” Quinn said. “All shoes are $3.”

Prices are listed on signs and wall sheets throughout the store. Quinn said she finds that using this method, her items are usually priced slightly lower than those in other stores.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They accept clothing donations during open hours.