What’s old is new again. And thanks to a positive trend influenced by social media and celebrities, thrifting is once again cool.
Volunteers and administrators at St. Peter’s Thrift Shop on Throckmorton Street have long embraced the trend, advocating for the re-sale of high-quality, gently used items at low prices for almost 50 years.
“Thrifting has evolved into a modern-day status symbol, where cultural capital comes from
finding the ‘best’ stuff for the lowest price,” explains Tracey Wasesky, who co-manages the shop
with Sydney Wasesky.
“Social media has fueled this shift,” she added. “For example, TikTok and Instagram influencers showcase on-trend, unique and affordable styles that prove to everyday consumers that eye-catching outfits can be found at a local thrift shop instead of expensive boutiques.
“… As the stigma against shopping second hand has continued to degrade, we see new people coming into our shop every week.”
The thrift store is a ministry of St. Peter’s Church. While its history and founding members are not well documented, it is believed the shop was founded in 1977 and moved to the Keith Building – the strip mall directly next to the church – somewhere in the late ‘70s to mid-’80s, after residing near the locksmith on South Street.
Affiliated with the church since its creation, the shop is still owned by St. Peter’s to this day.
Its sought-after and quality items – including antiques, handbags, vintage clothing, collectibles, kitchenware and Christmas toys – are donated by the community two days a week. The items are then sorted, processed and stocked directly onto the selling floor.
“Having designated donation days allows us to update our stock multiple days a week while being able to keep the store as neat and as organized as possible,” Wasesky notes. “Each week, we are reminded of how deeply thankful we are for the goodness of those who donate to our mission.”
The shop recently held its first major event, a vintage clothing pop-up that offered a broadened clientele an introduction to thrifting. There is also a yearly rollout, when 25% of the store is dedicated to the winter holidays.
The thrift shop could not function without the dedication of its volunteer staff, who gather items on donation days, clean, organize and hang clothing, style the store’s inventory and research prices.
“Our volunteers are very committed,” Wasesky says, “and some of our original volunteers have been coming at least one or more times a week for over 15 years.”
There are currently 14 long-term volunteers, but more are welcome. Volunteers can donate anywhere from one to 10 hours a week.
“These individuals can volunteer for any combination of days, for any amount of time,” Wasesky points out. “They are welcome to design a schedule that works for them. Volunteering is ideal for those of retirement age and/or those looking to give back to their community, to join a local group, or to keep their hands busy.
“St. Peter’s Thrift Shop is accessible and welcoming to everyone.”
The benefits of thrifting go far beyond adding someone else’s treasures to your own collection.
“Donating, shopping and volunteering at St. Peter’s all support the local community in more ways than one,” Wasesky says, “by helping St. Peter’s Church continue its community outreach, and by making it easier for everyday individuals to afford the items they need or want (at a fraction of retail prices).”
Proceeds from Thrift Shop sales ensure continuation of the church’s community lunch and supper programs. St. Peter’s also hosts numerous 12-step programs and community outreach such as health screenings, nutrition counseling and immunization clinics – all on church property.
“Thrifting is not just a lifeline for those in need of a discount store, but also a way of life for the younger generation,” Wasesky observes. “The relevance of thrifting relies heavily on the fact that shopping second hand is a major source of sustainable fashion.
“Thrifting keeps clothing out of landfills and combats against fast-fashion, the mass production of clothing that typically utilizes cheap, synthetic materials that are designed for fast profit, not wearable longevity …” she continues. “This means less carbon emissions, less textile waste and less clothing in landfills.”
St. Peter’s Thrift Shop is located at 49 Throckmorton St. in the borough. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday.
Donation hours are Tuesday and Saturday only, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Donations should be dropped off in the parking lot behind the church building, near the clothing collection bins. Pull up in a vehicle and unload items, or ask a volunteer for help. Do not leave items unattended outside of donation hours.
For more information and to find out about acceptable donations, visit the store website at stpetersfreehold.org/thrift-shop; check the social media channels @stpetersthriftshopfreehold on Facebook, Instagram and soon TikTok; email thrift@stpetersfreehold.org or call (732) 462-9264.
