The Re-Tail Therapy Resale Shop is the cat’s meow!
The ribbon cutting for Re-Tail Therapy Resale Shop in Downtown Hartsville
Photo courtesy of Main Street Hartsville
By Jana E. Pye, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net
“Oh my goodness, look at this!”
You’ll hear that a lot when you visit the cutest little resale store in Darlington County, and knowing that all the proceeds benefit the Darlington County Humane Society makes the shopping experience seem that much more fun.
The Re-Tail Therapy Resale Shop in Hartsville celebrated its grand opening last week, but savvy shoppers have been making it their favorite stop since the doors first opened.
The long, narrow store is set up with attractive displays of artwork, furniture, lamps and housewares in themes; a little nook has a garden motif, while another has wonderful collection of gifts for Father’s Day. Each little display is artfully arranged and pleasing to view. A collection of jewelry hangs from a piece of driftwood, and rows of pretty shoes and accessories at the rear end of the shop where clothing is hung.
Linda Fountain, another regular, says the store is a favorite of hers. “I get off work and come right here,” says Fountain. “It is therapy. It’s not just the hunt, although there is something different in here all the time. It really is relaxing coming in here.”
Photo by Jana E. Pye
Gorgeous, the well-named shop cat, carefully grooms her tortoiseshell coat on a lovely chair across from the counter. She loves the attention, and thanks shoppers that admire her by purring softly. She is available for adoption.
Ron Morris, owner of Carolina Lunch next door, visits daily to see what is new, and purchased a hard cover book from the collection of sports themed books.
“It’s fun to come in here,” says Morris. “I’ve enjoyed having them next door.”
Linda Fountain is another frequent shopper to the store. “I get off work and come right here,” says Fountain. “It is therapy. It’s not just the hunt, although there is something different in here all the time. It really is relaxing coming in here.”
The store is staffed 100% by volunteers.
Beth Tripp, a long time supporter of the Humane Society, volunteers about once a month on Saturdays. “It’s been consistent. There are a lot of regulars, and people just passing through or heard about it. It seems to be the place to be, people are coming in and meeting new friends, catching up with friends they haven’t seen in a while.”
In addition to donations, the store needs a healthy pool of volunteers – their calendar looks like a church nursery sign up sheet, with at least two volunteers for each shift, and duties range from working in the store to doing tasks like folding and hanging clothing.
Volunteer Beth Tripp enjoys working on Saturdays once a month. She is a long-time supporter of the Humane Society. “We all love pets!”
Photo by Jana E. Pye
Shifts 11 – 2 p.m. and 2 – 6 p.m. shifts Monday – Friday, and 11 – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
The store was the brainchild of Mary Segars and her sister in law, Kyle Segars, have been long time supporters of the Humane Society since it first began.
“You know, this has been a lot of fun, and a great way to meet people,” said Mary. “We all have the same thing in mind. I go home and am thrilled for what we’ve done each day. It’s wonderful to be involved in something you care about, and know all the money goes to what you really want to help.”
The store will take the place of the twice-yearly huge yard sale fundraisers, and large events such as the Toast to the Coast which were an enormous amount of work.
“We have been very successful so far, and have had customers come all the way from Florence to shop.” said Mary. “Between shoppers, people donating wonderful items, and our volunteers, we are able to help many, many animals. And have fun doing it!”
Donations:
Clothes must be clean and folded neatly.
Clean gently worn footwear
Jewelry
Housewares, lamps, artwork
No computers or large appliances
Please call first to let volunteers know ahead of time.
The Re-Tail Therapy Resale Shop is located on 149 West Carolina Avenue in Hartsville. The hours are Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donations are tax deductible. Reach them for questions at: 843-917-4197, find them online at their Facebook page. All proceeds benefit the Darlington County Humane Society. Volunteers are encouraged to stop by and talk in person, and get a feel for the store.
Ron Morris, owner of Carolina Lunch restaurant with Mary Segars. Morris visits the store frequently, and always finds something special!
Photo by Jana E. Pye
