By Patrick Adrian
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CLAREMONT — Changes Boutique & Thrift Store, the nonprofit thrift store located in downtown Claremont, reopens newly transformed today after a six-week hiatus for renovations and an inventory transition.
New signage hangs above the entry and the interior has been repainted and refloored as both the merchandise layout and vast selection gives an appearance closer to that of an upscale boutique than a low-cost clothing, gift and accessories store.
Fortunately for shoppers, the savings on the price tags remain intact.
“It looks like a different entity. Very clean and modern,” said Changes Boutique & Thrift Store Manager Sam Dubois. “We’re trying to put out the best of the best for customers at a bargain price.”
In addition to the store renovation, the purpose of Changes’ hiatus was to incorporate a boutique, offering a greater selection of name-brand and designer clothing, shoes and accessories. Turning Points Network, who owns and operates Changes, expects the addition of higher end clothing and accessories to broaden the customer’s already diverse customer base, who range from people on limited income to customers who enjoy the thrift shopping experience.
“The whole idea of the expansion is to give an option to people who want higher-end items, while still carrying the same thrift [apparel],” Dubois said.
At Changes, “thrift” clothing does not mean poorly-made or low-quality. Changes has high standards for all its donated clothing, with the majority being barely worn or new. Many items still have their original price tags on them.
While the boutique items may include more upscale brand names, they are affordably priced. Even brand new clothing at Changes is sold at no more than 30% the original price. A Jones New York dress, priced at $134 by its previous retailer, is only $38 at Changes. A brand new Julie Brown blouse, with a previous price tag of $199, is sold at Changes for $59.
That does not mean the “thrift” inventory lacks in quality brands. One rack, for example, includes clothing made by St. John’s Bay, ANA, Worthington, Coldwater Creek and Carhartt.
Deborah Mozden, executive director at Turning Points Network, said that many items are donated brand new by local businesses and supporters.
For example, Sunapee resident Cynthia Marshall organizes a group of volunteers called The Bag Ladies who go to local residences and collect unwanted clothing and accessories from homeowners’ closets for donation, according to Mozden.
Area retailers also donate merchandise to Changes. Many clothing and gift items currently on Changes’ shelves and racks were donated by apparel retailer Indigo Blues, with store locations in Concord and Contoocook.
“We are always looking for local stores who can donate their inventory,” Dubois said.
Many gifts and accessories were donated by La Bouteille in Claremont, which closed last year.
Though Changes scaled back its non-apparel inventory as part of the expansion, customers will find a variety of gift items, still in their packaging, at today’s reopening, which includes infant toys, children’s crafts and science kits, night lights and linen, to name a few.
Mozden and Dubois also expressed their gratitude to Changes’ building landlord, Kevin LaCasse of New England Family Housing, for repainting the store and adding new flooring.
“He gave it quite the facelift,” Mozden said.
Proceeds from Changes fund an array of Turning Points Network community programs across Sullivan County, ranging from counseling services to educational programs and outreach campaigns.
Turning Points Network worked with a consultant last year to explore ways to increase the store’s revenue. The board decided that opening a boutique was their best route, based on findings from online surveys and other data.
In an interview last December, Dubois said that it made sense to focus more on the apparel than non-apparel items, since 80% of Changes sales is its clothing.
Changes reopens today at 10 a.m. As part of its reopening celebration, the store will hold a customer-drawing to win a $100 Changes gift card.
Regular store hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information on Changes or how to donate, please visit Changes online on Facebook or Instagram.
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