A new store is opening in Gainesville for shoppers with expensive taste on a budget.
The store, called Thrift 5 Boutique, is a higher-end branch of the Thrift 5 store on West University Avenue. Shoppers can attend its grand opening this evening at the new shop, located at 18B SW Second Ave.
Angela Goodwin, manager of both stores, said the boutique will offer gently used clothing, accessories and furniture at a reasonable price.
“(The merchandise) is unique, but you will see that (the facility) is nicer,” Goodwin said, adding that the shop will also display work by local artists.
Hailey Innocent, an 18-year-old UF interior design freshman, said she’s excited for the new store.
“Most people are on a budget, so if you can save a few bucks, that’s awesome,” she wrote.
Thrift 5 and Thrift 5 Boutique are nonprofit stores, donating all of the money earned to local charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, Alachua County Humane Society and Gainesville Pet Rescue.
Jason Bowman, CEO of Pledge 5 Foundation, which owns Thrift 5 and Thrift 5 Boutique, said the new boutique will help with the company’s profit and outreach.
“We first opened our doors just a few months ago in August, and so far, the expenses outweigh the revenue,” he wrote in an email. “I think the opening of Thrift 5 Boutique will have a big impact.”
A version of this story ran on page 5 on 1/17/2014 under the headline "Steal your grandpa’s style at new downtown thrift boutique"
The grand opening of Thrift 5’s new boutique is tonight. It is located at the corner of Southwest Second Avenue and Southwest First Street.
