By Martha Nodar
Enjoying a prime location as a new tenant in the Toco Hills Shopping Center, the Nearly New Shop – an upscale thrift store owned and operated by the Junior League of Atlanta – is a hit among bargain shoppers in the area.
“We thought that Toco Hills with its vibes and energy would make a great central location for everyone,” said Ursula Reynolds, the league’s current vice president of marketing. “This is a very stable area with long-time residents of different ages.”
Reynolds said all the proceeds from the shop benefit the league, whose mission is to train its members to serve in the community with sensitivity.
Atlanta natives and local residents mother and daughter Donna and Leslie Mitchell are bargain shoppers and frequent customers of the shopping center.
“We came to this store as soon as the sign was up,” Donna Mitchell said. “We shop here to support the league’s mission. This is an upscale thrift store with a great location. It has ample parking, good selection, nice clothes, and name brands.”
League member Vanessa Cheatham of Buckhead said the store has received “fantastic donations” from her fellow members. “Our merchandise includes designers such as Lily Palmer and Michael Kors,” she said.
Donations are also accepted from the general public.
Marilyn Benjamin, the store manager, said the shop is maintained by the league’s volunteer members. Although she has noticed repeat customers since the store opened, she said she has also seen many people who are now just learning about the shop’s location.
That was the case with Cheryl Myers of Duluth who learned about the store by word-of-mouth, through a coworker. She decided to check it out and brought along her sister.
“Today is my first time in this shop,” Myers said. “This is a great location in a thriving area.”
Cheryl Griffin, a Druid Hills resident and repeat customer agreed with Myers.
“The first time I visited this shop I bought a dress for $10 and received multiple compliments,” Griffin said. “I just had to come back.”
This new kid on the block has clothing for the entire family, shoes, jewelry, books, furniture, artwork, toys and more at affordable prices. Some bargains include a black leather/patent Kate Spade bag for $15 and women’s slacks for less than $12 all in excellent condition.
Shoppers can expect to find a 50 percent off sale of everything in the store in December and around every major holiday the rest of the time, Benjamin said.
Featuring a neighborly ambiance (check out the comfy couch at the entrance) and open every day, this shop offers an option to crowded malls and Internet surfing.
For more information about the hours of operation, donations, and JLA, visit nearlynewshopatl.org.