Thrift 251 Update
What does the 2019-2020 school year look like for Thrift 251?
This year brings many changes for Thrift 251. Perhaps the most obvious change is that it no longer operates out of Townhouse 251 in which it was founded. This has changed how you will be able to shop and sell. Thrift 251 is now physically based out of the Soderquist College of Business, acting as the first business under a pilot program of the College of Business called Venture Lab. This just means that the business is now in partnership with SBC to enable Thrift 251 to grow on campus. This has allowed me to use space within SBC for the storage of clothing inventory. This main change in location influences how the actual model of the business works.
Selling
If you are wanting to sell your clothing using Thrift 251, the process begins by simply messaging me. This can be done on Instagram @thrift.251 or email bowlinb@jbu.edu. This message can be as simple as “I’d like to bring you clothes.” And from there, we can schedule a time to meet up. The more specific you are in your initial message, the more helpful that is for me. For example, “I’d like to sell clothes through Thrift 251. Would you have any availability on Tuesday to meet up? I’d like the clothes donated.” By giving me a target date and whether you want your clothing donated or given back at the end of the year, we can more quickly find a time that works for both of us. Clothing drop offs will occur in the lobby of SBC unless otherwise planned.
For those unfamiliar with the model, when you sell with Thrift 251, you have the option to get your unsold clothing back at the end of the year or I will donate/upcycle/recycle it. That means that you could find another way to sell it, use it, give it to friends, etc. Most people elect to have their unsold clothing donated for the sheer sake of ease. That is what I would recommend since most people don’t miss their clothing once it’s gone. However, the give back model is there for you to use and most helpful when you have clothing you value enough to want to make a good profit off it and are willing to put in that work if it doesn’t sell at Thrift 251. If you elect to have your clothing given back to you, I will spend a couple minutes sorting the clothing when you drop them off. By sorting in front of you at drop off, I can pick out what I know I’d best be able to sell. I’ll show you the clothes I won’t take and give you the option to take them back or offer to donate them for you. I’ll do this sorting process as quickly as possible, but time would depend on the amount you give me. If you want your unsold clothing donated, I will sort through it on my own time and all you have to do is fill out the short on-boarding form. This process takes less than 5 minutes. The only thing you have to do as a Thrift 251 seller is bring your clothing to me. Thrift 251 does the rest and pays you 50% of the sale.
Once you’ve dropped off your clothing, Thrift 251 will price, tag, advertise, and sell your clothing. You will get paid for the clothing sold at Thrift 251 at the end of each month. You can be paid with CashApp, Venmo, or cash. At the end of the selling period, you will be contacted with any relevant information about sales and clothing pickup for those that want their unsold clothing back.
Buying
The primary place to shop Thrift 251 clothing will be through pop-up events. These will be in various places around campus. Times and locations will be announced on Instagram and on posters around campus. You will also be able to shop by appointment. I post images of clothing for sale on the story highlights of my Instagram page. If you would like to hold or buy an item from the Instagram, DM me to claim it. From there, we will schedule a time for you to come to SBC to try on or buy the clothing. You can also request to look at certain items. For example, if you need a specific style or article of clothing, you can DM me and ask to see or shop those items and I can let you know if I have some and set them aside for you. Finally, you will soon be able to shop Thrift 251 online. Stay tuned. Also, if you notice a slight difference in pricing this year, that is because prices were modified to account for collecting taxes.
Thrift 251 accepts card, cash, CashApp, and Venmo for payment.
More Changes
This year is very exciting for Thrift 251. After a summer of working in NYC in the fashion industry and having run this business for a year, I’ve learned so much that I can use to better serve you. I will constantly be seeking ways to make Thrift 251 better for you all. Thrift 251 has continued to exceed my expectations in growth since it has begun. I’m excited about what we can all create together.
Some things you can expect this year:
An email newsletter with updates and resources
Articles about sustainability and fashion
Online shopping
Thrift 251 upcycled product lines
Possible additional services such as pick up and consulting
Ultimately, my goal for Thrift 251 is to make the clothing disposal process as effortless and profitable as possible for you. It is also my goal to provide sustainable alternatives to harmful fashion industry norms. This means providing you with knowledge and resources about sustainability, making it easier to practice sustainability and conscious fashion.
If you are interested in working with Thrift 251, feel free to reach out. I’m always down to help or collaborate.
My DMs are always open for your questions!