POTSDAM -- Cathy and Tim Connolly, owners of North Country Neighbors flea market mall, have announced an alliance with the Potsdam Humane Society to establish and run a thrift store for the benefit …
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POTSDAM -- Cathy and Tim Connolly, owners of North Country Neighbors flea market mall, have announced an alliance with the Potsdam Humane Society to establish and run a thrift store for the benefit of shelter animals.
“Animal shelter thrift stores have been quite successful throughout the country, " says Cathy.
"The greatest stumbling block for any shelter wanting to do this is the initial risk and investment. Our model saves the Potsdam Humane Society from that risk.”
The Connollys have put their decade of flea market management experience to work for the shelter and have also agreed to front 100 percent of the start-up costs for the new venture.
“Our business is called Best Friends Thrift Management. That's what we do, " Tim says. "The society maintains ownership of all donations. We just turn that inventory into a working store for them so they can concentrate on the animals' welfare.”
“This is our flagship. We already have an established relationship as shelter supporters, residents, and as business people in Potsdam. But our goal is also to fine-tune the model and bring it to other North Country shelters in coming years so we can help even greater numbers of homeless pets.”
Best Friends Thrift Shop will be at 8 Raymond Street, behind The University Bookstore.
Work has begun on the space and the Connollys hope to open in early December.
People wishing to make tax deductible donations of items in advance of the shop's opening should call 268-1055 to arrange a time for drop-off. Donors are advised that, in support of the C.O.R.C. Thrift store, clothing will not be accepted.