South Side Thrift was born of Suncoast Textile Recycling
By Lydia Beljan
St. Petersburg-South Side Thrift was born of Suncoast Textile Recycling. Paula had the warehouse space and plenty of clothing. They opened June 1 last year.
Sales keep the store busy for most of the week. Every other Wednesday all regular men and women’s clothing costs $1. On Friday, boutique items are 70 percent off. The store inventory is 50 percent off on Saturday.
“It’s like a party all day,” Paula says of $1 Wednesdays. “Everyone knows everyone, they’re having a good time, socializing.”
Boutique items are purchased from department stores like Bealls and Macys. If a unique item gets donated, it goes in the boutique as well.
South Side mostly carries clothes. The large children’s section has clothing, toys, books and stuffed animals.
“Stuffed animals had a life (before they got here),” Paula says. “I want to give them another life.”
The store also has some household items: linens, books, small appliances, and flatware. South Side does not carry furniture.
Paula tries to keep the prices affordable to the area.
“ I want to see an item go to it’s next home,” she says. “I tend to price the item lower so it goes home.”
Paula says that she feels welcome in Midtown. Word of mouth advertising has been good for business.
“The neighborhood has been wonderful and supportive,” she says.
we should always think about recycling our waste products to help the environment.*:~