By: Sarah A. Neikam, Marketing Director

Several years ago, a rapper by the name of Macklemore gave thrift shops a whole new image with a Grammy winning song and a viral video. In between some fairly colorful lyrics, “Thrift Shop” features Macklemore and his friends boasting about the common sense of thrift shopping versus wasting money on expensive designer clothing and suggests that a smart shopper can dress stylishly for a lot less. The video features some impressive thrift shop finds, from green alligator shoes to velour jumpsuits and old-school Velcro sneakers.

In an interview with MTV News[i], Macklemore expressed his disdain for rappers bragging about what they buy, including name brand clothing and high-priced champagne. He explained the song was the “polar opposite. It’s kind of standing for, like, let’s save some money… let’s spend as little as possible and look as fresh as possible at the same time.” In the years since, thrift store shopping has experienced a huge popularity surge with a whole new generation of people.

Thom Tate, SPCA Thrift Store Manager, models some new inventory with Store Associate, JR Voldness

But what does that have to do with animals? The SPCA Albrecht Center, like lots of other nonprofit organizations, runs a thrift store to supplement revenue. In fact, our thrift store has been responsible for as much as a third of our operating budget in past years. What that means is that the more shoppers “pop some tags” at our thrift store, the more homeless animals we can feed, shelter and place in loving homes.

In addition to the clothing, most of which is in new or like-new condition, it’s also not uncommon for the SPCA Thrift Store to receive donations of beautiful antique furniture, designer handbags and shoes, designer wedding gowns – just last month there was a Vera Wang wedding gown on the rack – Oriental rugs, art, lamps, vintage home goods, saddles, golf clubs and more. We even received a Picasso sketch a few years ago!

We often have adoptable cats or kittens in the store too, so you can find a whole new wardrobe and a new best friend. You may not always find exactly what you need in the thrift store, but what you find is always fun. So, take a cue from Macklemore and get to hunting at your local thrift shops.

Inside the SPCA Thrift Store

The SPCA Thrift Store is located at 1589 Whiskey Road in the Mitchell Shopping Center and is open Monday – Tuesday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Donations are welcome during business hours, or pick up can be arranged for large items or loads.

Visit LetLoveLive.org and click “Thrift Store” for more information about acceptable donations, arranging a donation pickup, the loyalty program, volunteering at the Thrift Store and more.

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding job, the SPCA Thrift Store is looking for a full-time store associate and driver to receive donated items from the dock and front entry, bring items to the stock room for sorting, pricing and storage, and display items onto the sales floor. Job candidates must have a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record, be capable of lifting heavy objects such as furniture, be experienced in providing excellent customer service and have a love of animals. You can apply in person at the Thrift Store during normal business hours, or apply online by visiting LetLoveLive.org/join-our-team.

Come check out the SPCA Thrift Store – where shopping saves lives!

[i] https://www.mtv.com/news/f06jrd/macklemore-thrift-shop

 

Sarah Neikam is the SPCA Albrecht Center’s Marketing Director and has been a staff member since 2012, serving first as Volunteer Coordinator, then Digital Media Manager and as Director of Operations & HR from 2018 until 2023 when she returned to her marketing role. Sarah earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator credential in January, 2022. She lives in Aiken with her husband Tom, their three adopted cats: Bastian, Luna & Grady, plus three former feral cats: Phoebe, Big Boy & Willow, who are happy to take advantage of the safety and consistent meals the Neikam home provides.