Second chances for sale

POULSBO — They say everyone deserves a second chance, and perhaps every object does as well.

Whether or not the famous phrase holds true for material things, there’s one store in town doing its best to offer repeat appearances for new and quality used items at a price that, as another old adage goes, can’t be beat.

Second Chance Thrift is a volunteer-run store boasting a smorgasbord of stuff in either mint condition or top shape for an encore run. Toys, accessories, clothing, shoes, furniture, kitchenware, sporting goods, luggage, books, videos and games are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the shop’s second year in business inventory.

Owned and operated by The Storehouse, a full gospel Christian church that meets in the Poulsbo Library conference room each Sunday, Second Chance Thrift is as much about supporting the church’s cause as it is about supporting the community.

“The store is kind of an outreach from our church,” said owner and pastor Karon Taylor. “We just want to help people.”

Proceeds from sales allow the church to aid both area citizens and worldwide missions. Currently, the shop is helping make True Vine Ministries, which builds churches and orphanages in Mexico, the Philippines, India and Guatemala, a possibility.

Items are donated by the community. Taylor said local generosity has been wonderful.

“We have been very blessed in that,” she said.

Store manager Linda Hylland said donations not fit for selling are still put to good use. Worn blankets are often sent to humane societies or animal rescue shelters. And if an item simply doesn’t sell, they find a recipient who has a need and offer it free of charge, once again proving it isn’t an operation about making money, but about lending a hand to the neighbors in need.

“We try to use everything that comes through here,” she said.

Hylland and Taylor said they have a Goodwill-type vision for the store and hope to someday operate multiple locations.

“The more places we’re in the more people we can help,” Hylland said.

But for now, they’re offering one-stop shopping at an incredible deal. Taylor said no price bickering or haggling occurs, but instead she likes to implement “creative pricing.” If reasonable offers are made, that’s acceptable for her. Special deals, too, are often set for particular types of inventory. Right now all sweaters, blouses and purses are redlined to just $1; all pants up for grabs for $2. And when those specials are applied to even the highest of brand names that make their way into the store, they create for some the Atlantis of bargain shopping finds.

“We do have a lot of good deals,” Taylor said.

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