If You Live In Nebraska, You Must Visit This Unbelievable Thrift Store At Least Once
By Delana Lefevers|Published July 13, 2017
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Thrift shopping is practically a sport among frugal Nebraskans, and we have no shortage of thrift stores from which to choose. From the big-name places in the larger towns to the tiny church-basement shops in small towns, you can find great deals all across the state. The Verdigre Carousel Thrift Shop stands out as a great example of not only a place to get a great deal, but a place to support a vibrant community.
The shop opened in 2013; it was founded by Verdigre residents Theresa Pavlik, Connie Gompert, and Cheryl Vesely. It took over an empty storefront on Main Street.
The store fulfills several needs in the community of 570 residents. It provides a place to buy clothing, furniture, and household items in a town that previously had none of these.
It also gives back to the community. It's run entirely by volunteers, and all of its stock is donated. This non-profit gives every penny of its proceeds (above operating costs) to various community causes.
Verdigre residents are so generous with their donations that the Carousel often has far too much stock for the store. They regularly give some of their donated items to area charities.
The volunteers throw all of their efforts into making this a delightful place to gather and shop. Everyone has their own specialty, from setting up window displays to cleaning donated items to organizing sections.
They sure do keep it interesting. Themed displays like this one add a unique personal touch to the store, a facet of the Carousel that further strengthens its community ties.
Volunteers go through the donations in the back room to ensure they're in good enough condition to sell. Everything is checked over, cleaned if necessary, and carefully put on display. Anything that doesn't meet the store's standards is recycled.
A committee of Verdigre residents meets regularly to decide where to donate the store's earnings. Several community organizations and city projects have benefitted greatly from the store's presence since its opening.
Besides benefitting the town by giving residents a place to shop and donating all of its profits, the store helps Verdigre residents learn new skills. In the Fiber Arts studio, you can use one of the looms to weave long-lasting recycled denim rugs (you provide the prepared recycled denim). Weavers are charged by the size of their finished product. You can also buy rugs woven by someone else at the looms.
You’ll find the Verdigre Carousel Thrift Shop at 314 N Main St, Verdigre, Nebraska. It’s open Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 2pm. Visit the store’s Facebook page for more information, including new and interesting items for sale. Have you ever shopped here? Tell us about the best thrifty treasure you’ve ever found at the Carousel!
