Metro Thrift gets new look, newer merchandise

Metro Thrift gets new look, newer merchandise

For years, a small thrift store on Central Avenue has helped community members looking for inexpensive personal items, clothing and home decor items. Now, Metro Thrift & Gift has an updated look and better quality items.

“We’ve updated the store and expanded the space,” said Metro Wellness and Community Centers CEO Lorraine Langlois. “Our newly expanded and re-stocked store gives the community a unique opportunity to give back.”

The remodeled store now has a section exclusively for new items. Since its conception, the thrift store has been instrumental in providing free household goods, clothing and other merchandise to anyone living with HIV/AIDS through donated merchandise and sales to the general community. It is also a revenue generator for Metro Centers since 100% of store profits are used to support ongoing HIV/AIDS programs and services.

“It’s not unusual for a not-for-profit agency to have a retail operation. In these times of shrinking government grants and private donations, program and operations budgets rely on creative fundraising efforts,” Langlois said. “The social entrepreneurial model is expected to raise another 20%-25% unrestricted income for the agency. This in turn will free up restricted grant funds for program and operations costs.”

With the new look and new items, Langlois is hopeful that the community will shop at the store and continue to donate gently used items to keep the shelves and racks stocked.

Metro Thrift & Gift is at 2235 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. For more information, call 727-321-7212.

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