By: Claire Roberson, Communications Director

In the mid-80’s the SPCA Albrecht Center opened the doors to their very first Thrift Store – a place where locals could sniff out amazing deals all while giving back to the homeless shelter animals at the SPCA. Fast forward to 2019 when the store ultimately found it’s home in the Mitchell Shopping Center, and the response from the community to this boutique-style thrift store has been remarkable. The SPCA Thrift Store has had many different locations, but the mission of the store has remained the same – to be the place ‘Where Shopping Saves Lives!’

As a nonprofit, the SPCA does not operate for monetary gain. However, and of course, money is required to operate and pay for the high costs associated with caring for nearly 1,300 homeless animals every year. With the already amazing support of our donors, it was important we got creative with the ways we were bringing in monetary support to support our growing organization – thus, the SPCA Thrift Store was born and continues to provide vital support to our shelter animals.

Even better, thanks to the fact that all our for-sale items are donated by generous patrons, 100% of the revenues from the store go directly to lifesaving vet care and supplies for our shelter animals.

With the new store opening its doors, the SPCA decided to utilize the space for their favorite way to connect with supporters, by creating annual Thrift Store events to be hosted at the store – bringing in new and returning shoppers to browse the expansive collection of jewelry, clothing, furniture, pet care items, houseware and more. With two annual Thrift Store parties, shoppers get a first-look, first-buy of brand new storewide merchandise, while giving back to local animals in need.

Coming up on Monday, November 15th from 6pm to 8pm at the SPCA Thrift Store (Mitchell Shopping Center: 1589 Whiskey Road, Aiken), the SPCA Albrecht Center invites you to join us at a Thrift Store Holiday Sniffari! This holiday event doubles as the grand opening of the store’s holiday shop. Shoppers will get first dibs on the new storewide items, while enjoying light refreshments, open (donation only) bar and a treasure hunt that will take you on a sniffari around the store to find unique thrift store prizes.

What better way to get your Christmas shopping done early than to do it while supporting local homeless and neglected pets!?

Advance tickets are just $10 ($20 at the door) and doubles as a 10% off coupon the night of the event only (one per shopper). Purchase yours today by visiting LetLoveLive.org/event/holiday-sniffari. Rather purchase in person? Visit the SPCA Albrecht Center at 199 Willow Run Road in Aiken (be sure to visit the adoptable animals whom your purchases support) or the SPCA Thrift Store at 1589 Whiskey Road in Aiken.

This event is proudly supported by Family Pharmacy and Cummings Insurance of South Carolina.

Not able to attend the event? Visit the SPCA Thrift Store in the Mitchell Shopping Center at 1589 Whiskey Road in Aiken; Monday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm, or attend the Thrift Store’s monthly Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale every month on the second Saturday for more storewide deals.


An Aiken native and self-proclaimed cat lady, Claire Roberson is the SPCA Albrecht Center’s Communications Director, working in marketing, grant writing and media correspondence. She attended College of Charleston, where she graduated with a degree in Nonprofit Business and interned with Charleston Animal Society, the leader in No-Kill South Carolina. When not working, you can find Claire hanging out with her 18-pound Maine Coon mix, Anakin.


The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is a private, nonprofit, no kill animal shelter in Aiken, SC. The SPCA also operates a local Thrift Store (“Where Shopping Saves Lives”), a public, affordable Veterinary Care Center & a Dog Park. It is our mission to improve the lives of companion animals by rehoming abused, abandoned, and neglected pets while fighting for their well-being through vigorous legislative efforts, humane education, and by offering affordable veterinary care for all.

WANT TO SUPPORT OUR HOMELESS ANIMALS?