After two weeks of deprivation while renovations were underway, fans and friends of the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven turned out for the reopening party last Saturday afternoon. Giddy from melting temperatures and delighted for an outing, visitors welcomed the bright walls, the airy, uncluttered new space, and the gleaming, colorful floor.
“It smells good!” said one woman, breathing deeply.
It being February, familiar faces were everywhere. Visitors and volunteers enjoyed snacks, music, and socializing. Sandy Pratt, thrift shop manager, assistant manager Noavakay Knight, and assistant Zachary Sawmiller greeted well-wishers.
“It took a village to do this,” Ms. Pratt said, grateful for those who worked.
Ms. Knight’s tiny dog, a fixture at the shop, happily accepted pats and compliments.
Furnishings were minimal, but the few racks and shelving units offered enticements. Amid the revelry, partygoers took the chance to shop. Browsing was better than ever in the uncrowded display areas. Happy customers left with clothing, kitchenware, appliances, and books.
Anna Marie D’Addarie, program coordinator at the Oak Bluffs library, arrived promptly, and within minutes was heading to the cash register with a set of English china flowered demitasse cups and saucers.
Island newcomer Rizwan Malik, administrative coordinator at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, clutched sturdy white soup bowls. He and wife Allyson had already purchased many necessities here.
“I love the floor, I think it’s great,” said Jim Pringle from Oak Bluffs, a 25-year veteran of the MVCS Possible Dreams Auction Committee, as he considered a Crock-Pot.
Taking in the scene, professional organizer Noreen Baker of Vineyard Haven, a.k.a. the Clutter Queen, said she often recommends the shop to clients for shedding unwanted belongings.
“It’s really inviting,” said Ellie Bates, adding that she visits frequently. “I like those empty shelves. It means they’ll be taking new donations.”
Zephir Plume of Vineyard Haven came to see, not to buy, despite leaving with a new pair of leather gloves.
Even this reporter, determined not to shop or spend, couldn’t resist two quality sweaters — J.Jill and Eileen Fisher! — and three wineglasses.
A long set by singer-songwriter Jemima James, performing with Goodnight Louise, was a highlight. Between tunes, band members appreciated the stylish footwear displayed nearby.
Patrons pulled up chairs, and 8-year-old Connecticut Langhammer twirled around the floor. At 14 months old, even little Ivy Korba took bouncy steps to the beat of the music.
Later, Jeff Pratt used his well-honed DJ skills to keep the energy festive.
Though stock was lower than usual, thanks to sales and free days before the closure, staff had no doubt shelves would soon be packed again.
Doors shut on Jan. 23, and workers kept up a feverish pace. Fondly known as the Chicken Alley Thrift Shop, the 50-year-old enterprise earns needed funds for MVCS. Ms. Pratt proudly said gross income for 2014 neared $500,000. This was the first major facelift since the “Thrift” moved here from Main Street 11 years ago.
The project was massive, from moving everything into storage pods to dealing with extreme weather. Volunteers painted walls, and a professional crew did the floors with industrial-grade Rust-Oleum epoxy.
The clean, bright space was ready Feb. 4. Staff took the opportunity to reconfigure the layout for better flow and organization. Fitting rooms moved, and the front counter now faces the door so volunteers can better greet customers and donors.
Relieved and pleased, Ms. Pratt said the thrift shop is moving ahead with a strong presence on social media, an increasing involvement of youth and young adults, and may even host occasional musical events.
“It’s a community space,” she declared emphatically.