Arc’s Value Village in New Hope Offers Window-Shopping Options
Arc’s Value Village thrift store in New Hope has taken on some very ingenious ways of coping with the loss of business during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Arc’s Value Village has staged merchandise in the windows of the store, so people can window shop and then call the store to purchase an item. The organization has also posted merchandise to purchase on social media.
“We’re offering all different ways to purchase items from Arc’s Value Village. We did open up our donation door recently so we’ve got a lot of incoming wonderful donations that need a new home. So, we’re offering window shopping. People can come right up to the window, see an item and just call the store directly and say ‘hi I’m Molly, I’m out on the sidewalk and I’d like this dresser please,” said Molly King, Arc’s Value Village marketing manager.
Selling Items on Social Media, eBay
The nonprofit organization, which raises money for people with cognitive disabilities, has also been selling items on social media channels like Instagram. People can purchase online and pick up the item curbside. Arc’s Value Village has been on eBay for a number of years, and recently added Craigslist to the mix too.
“People can scan our items online take a look and also arrange for curbside pickup. EBay has typically been a shipping platform. We are also offering curbside pickup for eBay as well,” said King.
A Modest Effort
The efforts are bringing in some revenue, but they are not anywhere near what revenue once was.
“But, it is a way for us to get all this great merchandise a new home in the meantime,” said King. “It’s also a way for our villagers to do shopping. You know, a thrifter’s gotta thrift. People love shopping and they miss the shopping. So this is a way to stay in contact with our really great shoppers and our community too.
