WAVERLY — Whether you’re a fashionista or a fan of shabby chic, you’ll find the rare and unique in Upstairs Thrift in Waverly. It’s all about style and saving lots of money.
Shopkeeper Victoria Maybeck explains it this way, “We get upscale designer names, but we also get rare and exclusive clothing and items from around the world. We get things you won’t see anywhere else because it’s donation driven. Our donations come from those who live in Waverly, and those people love to travel and buy exclusive things.”
According to Maybeck, those donations keep rolling in with all the profits going to the nonprofit Community Waverly House, or more commonly referred to as “The Comm.”
“The Comm has a special place in the Waverly residents’ hearts. They love the community, and it’s really about their giving back,” Maybeck added.
It all began about five years ago when Waverly Community House Director Maria Wilson questioned if it was feasible to create a special kind of shop in The Comm. So far, it has been a huge success.
Some fondly remember the days of the Attic Shop, run by the Waverly Women’s Club for 65 years. The shop worked off consignments with consignors getting half the profits. The other half was disseminated throughout the Abington community. Unfortunately, the Attic Shop closed its doors because there weren’t enough volunteers to keep it operational.
Maybeck commented on how Upstairs Thrift carries season-appropriate clothing and how the household items are constantly refurbished throughout the year. She’s excited when talking about what she sells.
“I recently got something rare in from Italy,” she gleamed. “Our donations really are upscale. We get lots of Talbots, Brooks Brothers, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Boden, Worth and Liz Claiborne, to name a few. And today, I got in a Free People sweater. Shoppers are going to know the name, but realize this is the only way they’re going to own a Brooks Brothers cashmere coat.”
Her customers range from 20-something on up with the average customer in the 30-40 year-old range.
“There is something for the whole family,” Maybeck said. “There is women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and toy room, and, in the household room, the majority of donations are vintage like fine China. But, we also carry bed linens and tablecloths. There are so many unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. And anything not suitable for Upstairs Thrift is donated to the Waverly Elementary School for their annual rummage sale.”
For Maybeck, this is the perfect job because it’s all about repurposing.
“I’m a child of the 60s,” she said. “That was it for me. It was reuse and recycle. I’ve been thrifting since the 70s. I just grew up never throwing out. If I couldn’t use it as intended, I would ask myself how I could reuse it.”
Her kids’ toys were always second-hand. She has always been a person who prefers second-hand and saving the environment.
“People get tired of their clothing and household items, but it’s new to someone else,” she said.
Maybeck continued. “I love doing this job because there is a greater purpose here. It gives people a place to donate, and it gives people in need or not something affordable. And The Comm reaps the profits. It’s a happy place all around.”
Over the next two weeks, Maybeck plans to sell winter coats at 50% off. The $1 sale is happening in early April, but she said the best thing for those interested to do is go to social media to find out exactly when.
Hours for The Upstairs Thrift, located at 1115 North Abington Road, are Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Phone number is 570-317-9237.
Anyone wishing to donate may drop off at the main entrance in the back parking lot of The Comm. And there are also tax receipts available — another win-win for everyone.
