It’s been three months since we closed the doors of the Fair Tide thrift store in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, it’s been 13 weeks, or 91 days, or 728 hours, but who’s counting? While we have certainly missed seeing all our regular shoppers, volunteers, and donors, we know, in time, we will be reunited without missing a beat. What we mourn more deeply, and what keeps us up at night, is the estimated $45,000 in lost sales revenue that would have helped to fund Fair Tide’s housing program. At a time when access to safe and stable housing is more critical than ever, we are experiencing severe losses to one of our main revenue sources, the thrift store.
It is our hope that this precarious situation in which Fair Tide finds itself will serve as a rallying cry for all you thrifters out there as we begin our path toward reopening. We are making it safe, easy, and enjoyable to shop, and we are overflowing with amazing items! The details of our plan are outlined below, and we will continue to provide any updates via social media and our website. As always, feel free to reach out directly with any questions.
Online Shopping Options, available any time:
In order to provide an alternative to in-store shopping, we maintain various online marketplaces, each with their own unique niche. Check out all of them!
Etsy – Collectible items of high value, and unique items that did not sell while they were in our thrift store.
Ebay – Items with a high online sales value.
Poshmark– Clothes that did not sell in the store, but still have value.
Instagram & FaceBook– Avenues to tease out new arrivals that are for sale in store and online.
Fair Tide Online Store – Items for sale and available for local pickup.
Sidewalk Sales:
We are moving some of our best inventory outside for your shopping pleasure. Come see us Fridays and Saturdays in June, 11am – 3pm, in the Fair Tide thrift store parking lot. Make sure to check our social media pages if the weather looks iffy.
Official grand re-opening:
We will re-open the doors to our thrift store on July 1st at 11am. New hours for the foreseeable future will be Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-5pm. We will be closed on the 4th of July.
Protocol for customers:
- Five customers allowed in the store at one time.
- Masks are required.
- No trying on clothing, however we will be flexible with returns.
- Please maintain 6 feet of distance between you and others.
- It goes without saying, but please do not shop if you are feeling ill, or have recently been in contact with anyone who is ill.
- Solo shop, when possible, to limit the number of people in the store.
- Be patient. Be kind. Be respectful.
Private shopping experience:
- We will be offering private, group shopping for parties of five outside our normal business hours.
- Gather four friends and call the thrift store at 207-439-2427 or email thriftstore@fairtide.org to schedule!
The more you spend at the Fair Tide thrift store, the bigger the impact you’re making in the community. You can also donate directly to Fair Tide’s housing program – every penny helps. Thank you for your support and understanding!