Cedar Valley Humane Society has high hopes for thrift store

CEDAR RAPIDS - Three previous second-hand merchandise shops launched by Bob Citrullo for animal welfare organizations have netted $100,000 annually and he is confident of the same result in Cedar Rapids.

The Cedar Valley Humane Society opened Second Chance Thrift Store, 617 Center Point Rd. NE,  in early May. Citrullo, executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society, said sales have so far exceeded expectations, though he wouldn't give specific numbers.

"We have had a very strong response from customers as well as the community contributing items for sale," Citrullo said. "We accept just about everything, including clothing, shoes, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, small kitchen appliances and furniture.

"We don't accept older televisions because they require a converter. We also cannot accept mattresses, box springs, automobile parts or anything that does not work."

Second Chance is operated by a full-time manager and a part-time employee. All proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be used to fund the activities of the Cedar Valley Humane Society, with the exception of store employee payroll, utilities and rent.

"We have been very fortunate to find a location with a landlord who has been willing to work with us on rent," Citrullo said. "We have a lot of merchandise in storage that we don't have room to display at the present time.

"We're hoping to expand into the space next door to have more room for large appliances like washers and dryers as well as furniture. Right now, we're storing some of the items that have been donated at the shelter on Mount Vernon Road.

"We're hoping to eventually have enough room here to avoid having our volunteers transporting merchandise to and from the shelter."

Citrullo said the thrift shop enables those who cannot make a cash contribution to animal welfare to donate items they no longer need or want in their home or business.

""Not everyone can walk a dog or cuddle with a cat, but they probably have things they would gladly donate," he said. "For the bargain shopper, there are really some great items for sale in the store at very attractive prices."

Citrullo said the store has begun attracting regular shoppers, despite the short time that it's been open.

"You never know what's going to be there from day to day because the store's inventory is constantly changing," he said. "You would be amazed what comes in that still has the original sales tags on it. That was something that really surprised me when I first became involved years ago with the thrift store business."

Citrullo said he would like to have the space to sell larger items of appliances and furniture because they will increase sales proportionately.

"We have people who are waiting to donate sofas and other large items, but we just don't have the room to display them," he said.

Second Chance Thrift Store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Donations are accepted at the store after 10:30 a.m. and before 5:30 p.m. The store's number is (319) 365-1931.