Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the Near New is bringing in about $200 to $300 less daily compared to last year, not weekly.
After swinging open the door to the Near New, a shopper’s eyes dance to a kaleidoscope of items, from housewares to sporty outfits. A volunteer is there to greet them, but their time is precious and there’s much to do.
Donations are down and so are sales, according to MaryAnn Sands, volunteer manager. On average, the shop is bringing in about $200 to $300 less a day compared to last year.
The Near New is one of those places that if you know, you know, but if you don’t, it can be easy to miss. It’s a historical-appearing building with little signage and a nominal digital presence.
“If you go to Google, you’ll probably find something, but the hours will be all messed up,” Sands said.
“They’re correct on Google right now,” Kate Schwerin, volunteer secretary for the Rebekah Lodge, interjected.
The Rebekah Lodge is the sorority affiliated with the Odd Fellows Lodge. Odd Fellows Lodge No 75 was originally built in Carbondale in 1888, but burned down on July 4, 1905. It was rebuilt the following year, where it still stands today and serves as the home of the Near New, operated by the Seven Stars Rebekah Lodge, No 91. The Rebekahs took over the Near New from the Eastern Stars, the female counterpart to the Free Masons, in 1975, when the thrift shop moved into the building on 3rd and Main.
“Every town in this valley used to have [a chapter],” Schwerin said. “Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood all had Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Lodges.” She attributes the longevity of No 91 to the Near New.
“In the past years it was booming,” Schwerin said.
Any profits are funneled back to the community, namely by way of scholarships and contributions to several nonprofits. Over the past three years, the Lodge donated $10,000 toward the new Aquatics Center. Annual contribution numbers depend on sales.
“Before, when we were getting so much stuff … it was easier to be more discerning,” Schwerin said of donations. “So things were more appealing to people. But when you get less, the quality is not as good.”
Volunteers process donations during open hours, and, historically, there’d be bags yet gone through at the end of a shift. “We haven’t had that issue,” Sands said.
“Basically since The Arc opened,” added Schwerin.
It makes sense. The Arc is open seven days a week and accepts donations more frequently.
There is no limit on how many items people can donate to The Arc, according to Glenwood Manager Anna Jaquez-Herron, but its website includes a list it won’t accept. The Arc Thrift Store was started in Denver in the late ‘60s by three families who had children with intellectual disabilities and benefits relevant service organizations through today. There are 37 stores in Colorado, two in Albuquerque and one is slated to open in San Antonio.
When The Arc was set to open in Glenwood, some folks expressed concerns that it may affect local thrift stores, Jaquez-Herron acknowledged, but she has not heard from other shops directly.
“Some people felt it was better that we came,” she added, “because then we could push those smaller stores to think a little bit more about what they were offering as far as value to the community.”
Often what’s donated to the Near New is not sellable, and goes straight to recycling. Some things can’t be resold at a thrift store, including bike helmets, car seats and humidifiers, to name a few. The Near New also asks people not to drop off electronics, soiled or lumpy bedding and certainly no mattresses.
“I think it’s good for the community to know what this beautiful building is, what we support, who we are and who we give to,” said Sands.
“Bring us your good donations,” Schwerin concluded.
Donations can be dropped off during business hours, noon to 4pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays. The store is also open during First Fridays, from 5:30 to around 8pm.