WLM | shop
WLM | shop
thrift store managers , grapples with the extensive fluctuation of merchandise . Secondhand clothing stores rely solely on donations , unlike other retail stores who operate on standard merchandise shipments and planograms ; this means managers and workers at thrift stores must be flexible and creative when handling their inventory . To adapt to inconsistent donations , Chanda has partnered with another local thrift store in Laramie that provides her store with supplemental merchandise when needed . Donations come in a wide variety of sizes , styles , and colors , which supports an array of customers .
Thrift store shoppers are a diverse group of customers looking for deals , one-of-a-kind garments , and other hidden treasures such as unique books , antique jewelry , and exclusive home decor . To make those treasures less hidden , Chanda focuses on updating her merchandising displays weekly . During our time at the Clothing
Cottage , we were tasked with designing new clothing displays for the store to make the store more upscale . Thrift stores are now expected to resemble boutiques in order to serve diverse clientele and change negative attitudes toward secondhand shopping . Creating displays in thrift stores can be challenging due to the lack of standardization . Normally , retail
stores are given plans and materials for their merchandising displays ; however , in thrift stores , workers have free creative reign to build their own merchandising displays . With this creative freedom , we would explore the store in search of the buried riches in the Clothing Cottage . Our finds would then be used to create trending outfits accompanied by complementing accessories and contrasting shoes to spark the interest of shoppers .
The Clothing Cottage exhibits changing attitudes of thrift store shopping ; people have been flocking to thrift stores in order to fulfill their bargaining appetite and treasure seeking needs . As the popularity of secondhand stores increases so does the need for workers and volunteers . The Clothing Cottage is a nonprofit store run by St . Matthew ’ s Episcopal Cathedral , so they are always welcoming volunteers who are compassionate about their community . Civic virtue and sustainability are the focal points of Chanda ’ s store . She strives to provide customers with quality clothing and household items at an affordable price or no-cost to ensure everyone in the community has
20 Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Fall & Holiday 2017