This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The ribbon-cutting for Longmont Charity Shoppe, Inc., a new thrift store moving into the space vacated by Rockin' Robin's at 233 Main Street, will be Tuesday, Feb 5th, at 4 p.m.
Brad Johnson, president of the company, is enthusiastic about his new enterprise, which benefits three local charities: HOPE, A Woman's Work, and Mountain States Children's Home. "One hundred percent of our net profits will be distributed to these charities," he said.
The store will have "a little bit of everything," Johnson says, "hitting the sweet spot between high-end thrift and low-end antiques; stuff you wouldn't normally find in a thrift. It's not your mama's thrift store," he laughed. Customers can expect to see collectibles, art, jewelry, furniture, and some clothing.
"We have plenty of merchandise," Johnson assured, "and I anticipate the donations are going to start coming in hard and heavy when the spring hits."
In addition to the thrift shop, the business will also host the tentatively-named 'Cuppa Joe' Coffee Shoppe in one corner, offering Silver Canyon coffee and locally baked pastries. And there are plans for community fundraising, live auctions, concerts, and a fundraising CD featuring Colorado musicians.
Johnson got the idea for the shop while employed at the Longmont Humane Society thrift store. He spent the last year and a half there, starting out as a volunteer. "I was the book guy," working his way up to store manager. He also ran a charity, Hearts in Action, in southern California before moving to Colorado.
After deciding to part ways with the Humane Society, he and his partners looked for the right space for several months, passing on the Tuesday Morning, Big Lots, and Sears properties. "I just wanted it to be on Main St," he said. "When this space came up, it was like a no-brainer, it was perfect."
Johnson is spending $15,000, donated by a volunteer, to renovate the 5,000 sq. ft. space, which included ripping out a wall. He is not paying himself, and has one employee now, but expects to hire more once the store opens and starts making income. He is subleasing the space from Rockin' Robin's and is planning on being open for the 3.5 years left on the lease. Fifteen volunteers will get the store ready for opening day, "pricing, placing, and sorting."
Johnson has high hopes for his block, between 2nd and 3rd on Main, saying that he already enjoys a good relationship with Jesters. "Location is important," he stressed, adding that he anticipated half of his business to be "walk-by."
Customers are already appearing as a result of several sales Johnson held in order to sell off the last of Rockin' Robin's inventory. "The clientele will come back," he said, "have been coming back."
The Longmont Charity Shoppe will be open seven days a week, beginning Feb 5th, with the possibility of a soft opening the Saturday before. Hours will be 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on weekends. Donations will be accepted all day, every day, in the back of the store.
