Beacon thrift offers shopper incentives
Travelers over the years have enjoyed the benefits of “frequent flyer miles” and in today’s economy, nearly everyone is looking for other incentives like those offered by the airlines to help stretch their dollars. Responding to this need, the Beacon of HOPE Thrift Store will award “frequent” shoppers to help those on a budget get the most for their money.
“Starting this week, we at the Beacon will be launching several shopping incentives for those who frequent the Thrift Store,” said Beacon president Elsie Stearns. “We have begun a program that will offer special discounts and other opportunities for savings to those who shop at the store on a regular basis. It is our hope that people will continue to shop with us so that we can continue to provide much-needed services to the residents of Pine Island.”
Beginning this week, those entering the Beacon Thrift Store can ask for a special punch card to accumulate points toward discounts. allowing customers to become a “Beacon Buddy.” Each time a shopper makes a purchase the card will be punched and after the customer’s 10th visit, they will be entitled to a 10 percent discount on their next purchase. After 20 visits they will be entitled to a 20 percent discount and after 30 purchases, will be offered at 10 percent discount on all merchandise for life. In addition, on Tuesday each week, anyone purchasing clothing will get two clothing items for the price of one of the same value during the “Two-fer Tuesday” sale.
Other changes forthcoming have come in the way of the store’s appearance.
“Our new floor manager, Ray West, who we call ‘Ray of Hope’ has been making great strides in improving the look of the store,” Stearns said. “The store is now more organized and shopper friendly and we think that people will enjoy a pleasant shopping experience when they come to the Beacon thanks to Ray.”
Stearns also said that in addition to regular sales at the store, shoppers will now find discount bins for even greater savings.
Another change in the making at the Beacon Thrift Store is the holiday section. According to Stearns, this area will feature items that reflect the current holiday, however, shoppers also will find yuletide items every day as the store will celebrate Christmas all year round.
“Not only do our shoppers help us to help our community, these sales and incentives are a way for us to say thank you for their support,” Stearns said. “The thrift store shoppers have enabled us to expand our aid to the community and without their support, our ability to help would be difficult as the needs on the island continue to grow. I think it is important for people to know that all of the money we raise from sales at the thrift store goes back into the island community. We are here to assist anyone and everyone and not just a selected group and the dollars raised at the store help to make that possible.”
The staff of the Beacon Thrift Store also works closely with other organizations on the island when dealing with gently used items.
“There have been times when other organizations are hosting a rummage sale and have fallen short of merchandise. One example was the Matlacha Hooker Bag n’ Tag sale. We were approached to make a donation to their fund-raising sale in the way of merchandise. In return, the group will donate back to us any unsold items,” Stearns said. “In the past, we have had similar arrangements with other organizations and churches on the island. When their one-time sale is over, they will call and we will send volunteers to pick up items that we will have for sale in the store.”
The Beacon Thrift Store will accept donations of any kind as long as the items are fit for re-sale. For larger donations, volunteers also will arrange to pick up items on Tuesday and Thursday each week.
The Beacon of HOPE Thrift Store is located on Pine Island Road near the island center and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call the Beacon of HOPE at 283-5123.