Shopping Thrifty
by Frances Sandiford

Those of us who watch Antiques Road Show on public television know that treasures are to be found at thrift shops. A two-dollar vase with initials on the bottom may turn out to be the work of a famous potter. But one has to be lucky, or have a good eye, probably both. If you like this kind of thing, the search is often more fun than the outcome, which is usually a vase worth two dollars.

But the main reason shoppers go to thrift shops is for readily available bargains in clothing, house wares, and even furniture. Sweaters, pants and coats, although gently used, sell for a fraction of the price of a department store. Chairs and tables, perhaps with a new paint job, may suit your kitchen just right.

Here are nine nonprofit thrift shops in our area. None of these sells articles on consignment. Most accept donations which are clean and in good condition. Tax receipts are available for donations that are itemized. Offerings are similar, but quantity and variety of inventories differ from shop to shop. Once again, the fun is in the search.

Regenerated Thrift Shop.
Behind the Church of the Regeneration, Pine Street, Pine Plains. Hours: Friday 10am 6pm, Saturday 10am 2pm.

This is a new shop, which opened in May. Located in a separate building behind the Church, it is bright, clean and well organized. The shop does not have a telephone, but manager Marigo Brandt is willing to accept calls about donations, directions, or general information (518-398-7325). The shop’s principal inventory consists of pants, sweaters, shirts and coats for men and women. There is a special rack for larger sizes. A small collection of children’s clothing is in a separate room. Prices go up to $10, with most prices in the range of $3 to $4. One feature not usually found in thrift shops is a fitting room where customers try on clothing they may wish to purchase. Knickknacks for sale frame the room on racks against the newly painted white walls. A jewelry case is in front of the check out desk. Given the potentials of the setting and the enthusiasm of the manager, this shop has prospects for growth in future months. Local donations are accepted. All proceeds go to the Church.

The Brown Bag.
Church Street, Pine Plains. Hours: Thursday 10am 3pm, Friday 10am 4pm, Saturday 10am 1pm.

Two blocks away from the new Regenerated Thrift Shop, this well-established shop is located at the site of the Pine Plains United Methodist Church. A flight of stairs from the street to the front door of the building where the shop is located may be a barrier for a few customers. The shop is smaller and far more cluttered than the Regenerated. The inventory is similar with price for pants at $3, sweaters $3 and men’s suits at $4. There is a shelf of videos, books and knickknacks. I was tempted by a colorful bowl, and on my way out by a tote bag decorated with a design in beads. I ended up buying only a child’s ring with a bat for my grandson. Manager Sarah Stevenson was not there, but the volunteer who was gave Ms. Stevenson full credit for the shop’s success. Local donations are willingly accepted. Phone the Church for information, 518-398-7273.

Christ Church Thrift Shop.
50 South Broadway, Red Hook. Hours: Tuesday 5:30 7:30pm, Thursday 1 4pm, Saturday 10am 12noon.

The shop is located in the parish hall behind the church. Several signs mark the entrance. A high flight of stairs leading to shop from the outside door might be an impediment for some shoppers. The inventory includes clothing for adults, children, youths and teens, shoes, bric-a-brac, books, jewelry, collectables, sewing and knitting items, picture frames and kitchen items, all very reasonably priced. There is more children’s clothing here than in some other shops and more household items. The shop has no phone; information can be obtained by calling the Church 758-1591. Leave a message. Donations are accepted on Thursdays and Saturdays. No furniture or electronics, please.

Elmendorph Carriage Barn Shop.
North Broadway, Red Hook. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10am 4pm.

In 1977, Friends of Elmendorph purchased the historic Elmendorph Inn and began renovations. Part of the money came from sales made in this thrift shop. Located directly on the east side of Route 9, in a small building adjacent to the Inn, the shop advertises itself by placing items outside. When I was there, four folding bikes lay in a pile, as well as several pieces of furniture. Inside, the shop has an eclectic stock. There is no clothing, only items like books, records, housewares, and curios of all kinds. For example, an object that looks like a large coat hanger with hooks was hanging on the wall near the entrance. Beneath it were several cudgels and a sign that read: “FOR KILLING PIGS SHEEP AND GOATS.” Locked cases hold small antique items. Shelves hold holiday decorations side by side with pots, pans, and dishes. The room is more of an experience than a shop, a place for pawing around and possibly finding the unexpected. Prices vary from under $1 for cards and books to $50 for antiques. The Carriage Barn Shop closes for the winter in November, and will reopen in March. Local donations are always accepted. Phone 758-5887 for information.

Northern Dutchess Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop.
95 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck. Adjacent to the hospital. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10am 3pm; Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10am 4pm.

This is a classic example of a thrift shop. It is very clean, well organized, and professionally operated. A ramp makes the shop easily accessible for wheel chairs or baby strollers. Clothing on the main floor is neatly hung on racks. Prices range from under $10 to $20 or higher. I was attracted by a metal blanket holder that featured the image of a fox dressed in a riding outfit. That was priced at $50, the highest-priced item I saw at the shop. A downstairs room has a large supply of children’s clothing in various sizes. The shop relies on local donations, some of which are high end items. A shed within sight of the thrift shop houses books, kitchen ware and general “stuff.” All proceeds from the thrift shop go to the hospital. For information call 876-4255.

The Carousel.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Woods Road, Tivoli. Hours: Tuesday 10am 12noon, Thursday 5 7pm, Saturday 10am 1pm.

This shop, with the appropriate name, has long been considered the “in” thrift shop for the discerning shopper. A supply of saleable items arrives every few weeks from New York City. The management will not disclose the identity of the source. Clothing abounds on racks, and in bins to be sifted through. Depending on what one wants, a wardrobe can be assembled here fairly quickly. Prices range from under $1 for clothing in the bins to $20 for items on the racks. High end, low end, everything is mixed. The third Saturday of the month is half price day. Manager Jackie Smatko has opened a bridal boutique in an adjacent room. Wedding gowns are available here for $75 to $100. Shelves near the shop’s entrance have towels, tablecloths, curtains. Jewelry is also on hand. The Carousel has a steep stairway, and no official entrance for wheelchairs. However, Ms. Smatko says an entrance can be opened if a customer asks the volunteers. Parents are urged to leave baby strollers outside.

Second Show
519 Warren Street, Hudson. Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10am 5pm, Saturday 10am 7pm.

This thrift shop is hardly distinguishable from the retail shops on either side of it. The window display has several eye-cathing pieces of clothing accented by a colorful string of lights. Inside, the shop is tastefully arranged with racks of clothing, jewelry, books and kitchen wares. Prices hover around $10 or under. The last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the month are half-price days. The management accepts donations. Proceeds from the sales go to Columbia Memorial Hospital. For information call 518-828-2990.

The Salvation Army Family Store
300 Fairview Avenue, Hudson. Hours: Monday Tuesday 9am 5pm, Wednesday Saturday 9am 8pm.

This shop, located in a complex outside the city itself, has a little bit, and sometimes a lot, of every piece of clothing imaginable. Household items, knickknacks, and small equipment are in the rear. Wednesday is Family Day, when every item except new ones is half price. Proceeds to the Rehabilitation Center in Albany, to the Salvation Army, and to general operating costs. For information call 518-828-0420.

Goodwill Industries Thrift Store
350 Fairview Avenue, Hudson. Hours: Monday Saturday 9:30am 8pm, Sunday 10am 7pm.

Located adjacent to the Salvation Army store, Goodwill offers many of the same features, including an abundant supply of clothing and household goods. Prices are also under $10. Weekly sales are advertised in store by colored tags. For information call 518-671-6246.