b'Alison, a big fan of thriftstore shopping, lives in West Texas with her husband, two sons, and two daughters. Formerly, she lived in Colorado and edited publications for Citygate Network and for the Christian Camp and Conference Association. Alison holds a bachelor of science degree in journalism. She can be reached at alisonjoyphillips@hotmail.com.Keeping it fresh items in your store. We try to focus on themed M inistry thrift stores also make it a pri- endcaps and maintaining clean, well-organized ority to maintain fresh and attractivesections that are appealing to shoppers.shopping areas.Rusty recommends rotating products on a When a person comes and shops, we dontconsistent schedule, putting fresh products on want them sorting through raggedy T-shirts,the shelves, organizing the placement of items, Bryan said. We want them to have a sense ofmaking any possible improvements to displays, dignity. What theyre looking through is quality.and ensuring a customer-friendly environment. This means turning down or tossing donationsKeeping new inventory circulating is by far the most important [to keep goods appealing], Steve said. Weve entered stores that appear full at first glance but are filled with stale merchan-dise. A returning customer quickly realizes when there is little to no new product available for purchase.At Hope Houses Community Store, staff frequently move items around or display them differently to keep the shopping experience fresh. For example, they create baskets of items and sell them together. They also regularly raffle a basket filled with unique goods.that are useless for resale (such as box TVs), carryRegular use of social media will help attract bedbugs (old mattresses), or are damaged (suchcustomers too. Posting pictures of unique items, as clothing with holes), musty, laden with mildew,for example, is a quick and necessary way to or soiled, Bryan said. The Community Store staffappeal to the younger demographic, Rusty said.do a smell test if in doubt to make sure items areWhile setting up and running a thrift store appealing and saleable. is no small task, the rewards for a rescue mission In addition to weeding out inappropriate items,are great.thrift stores also take steps to stay organized. Dont be paralyzed by the risks of opening a Merchandising is challenging in thrift sincethrift store, but rather be focused on the potential every item is unique, Steve said. There is no guidesuccesses for your mission and your neighbors, provided that shows how to display one-of-a-kindBryan said. \x0318 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022'