Grand Marais-based First and Second Thrift Store finds new location; needs help with storage and volunteers
Dec 02, 2022 01:38PM ● By Content Editor
Photo provided
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 2, 2022
This past October, Grand Marais-based First and Second Thrift Store announced they were looking for a new location after the Cobblestone Building they were housed in sold.
Related: Grand Marais's First and Second Thrift Store searching for new location after building sale
In an email sent to Boreal listservs this week, the store announced they had found a space to rent in the old Birchbark Gifts building in downtown Grand Marais.
Boreal Community Media reached out to Ann Marie Mershon, winter manager of First and Second Thrift Store, to get an update on the store's progress and needs.
According to Mershon, they are not able to get into the Birchbark Gifts building until May of 2023, but are hoping to be able to start taking donations sometime that month.
"We hope to sign a multi-year lease. They’re [Birchbark Gifts] accommodating our needs in their renovations, and we hope to be there a few years at least" Mershon told Boreal.
But there's work to do to get to that point.
With the current location closing at the end of December 2022, they are in need of storage.
"We're looking for enclosed trailers to could borrow or rent where we can store merchandise until we reopen. We have one so far. We’re also looking for garages or yard space to store these trailers. We have one lined up but need more," Mershon said.
The store is also in need of volunteers to help pack, disassemble shelving and display units, and move items into the trailers.
"As an incentive, the hours that people volunteer will earn credit toward donations to local non-profits. Last year our “hourly donation rate” was $22.50. You don’t get the funds, but you get to choose who gets it," Mershon added.
If you'd like to sign up to volunteer, you can do so here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f44abae2baaf4ce9-first
If you have an enclosed trailer or garage/yard space to store the trailers, you can reach out via email: [email protected]
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - December 2, 2022
This past October, Grand Marais-based First and Second Thrift Store announced they were looking for a new location after the Cobblestone Building they were housed in sold.
Related: Grand Marais's First and Second Thrift Store searching for new location after building sale
In an email sent to Boreal listservs this week, the store announced they had found a space to rent in the old Birchbark Gifts building in downtown Grand Marais.
Boreal Community Media reached out to Ann Marie Mershon, winter manager of First and Second Thrift Store, to get an update on the store's progress and needs.
According to Mershon, they are not able to get into the Birchbark Gifts building until May of 2023, but are hoping to be able to start taking donations sometime that month.
"We hope to sign a multi-year lease. They’re [Birchbark Gifts] accommodating our needs in their renovations, and we hope to be there a few years at least" Mershon told Boreal.
But there's work to do to get to that point.
With the current location closing at the end of December 2022, they are in need of storage.
"We're looking for enclosed trailers to could borrow or rent where we can store merchandise until we reopen. We have one so far. We’re also looking for garages or yard space to store these trailers. We have one lined up but need more," Mershon said.
The store is also in need of volunteers to help pack, disassemble shelving and display units, and move items into the trailers.
"As an incentive, the hours that people volunteer will earn credit toward donations to local non-profits. Last year our “hourly donation rate” was $22.50. You don’t get the funds, but you get to choose who gets it," Mershon added.
If you'd like to sign up to volunteer, you can do so here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f44abae2baaf4ce9-first
If you have an enclosed trailer or garage/yard space to store the trailers, you can reach out via email: [email protected]
