Today, Saturday, May 4, 2019, I went to the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand re-opening of the…read moreSecond Wind Thrift Store, which was previously known as the Carson Senior Center Thrift Store. I was also here on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 to shop around. It is on Beverly Drive, right across the parking lot from the Carson City Senior Center, and in the same complex as Carson City Health & Human Services on East Long Street.
There were many dignitaries here, such as Carson City Ward 2 Supervisor Brad Bonkowski, who spoke briefly, and Mayor Pro Tem and Supervisor Lori Bagwell. There was also someone from the Carson City Chamber of Commerce. They had a short ribbon cutting ceremony with gigantic scissors in front of their new sign. Then the first 100 people got a free hot dog, two cookies (oatmeal, chocolate chip, or vanilla chip), and a (warm) water. Donations to Meals on Wheels were optional. The woman volunteer at the end seemed kind of ornery to me, but oh well. The volunteer when I drove up was really nice, as was the employee there when I went in March.
They also had a 50% off sale today in the thrift store on everything except books.
As part of the new name, they also got new larger signs for the donation station and entrance. And they now reserve a parking spot for donations in front of the donation station.
After I ate my hot dog, I went inside. It was very busy and they had two people manning the cash registers. They have different sections for different things, such as furniture, men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, trinkets, boutique items, and electronics.
My one complaint about this store it it is expensive for used items. $200 for a very small kitchen table for two, $100 for a sofa, $15 for a beat-up office chair, $10 for an old chartreuse file cabinet that looks like it is from the 70's, etc. Clothing is more reasonable, but still a little expensive. I do get that is for a good cause and they have overhead, but I still think it is a little expensive. I mean people are giving away sofas for free on craigslist.
The store is always looking for volunteers, so please consider that. They also take Apple Pay, which is a little surprising for a thrift store. Parking is very easy, as there are plenty of space in front.
I would give this store three stars due to the prices, but I will leave four since it is for a good cause.