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07/27/2016 08:30 AMPlaying on the popularity of thrift shops is part of the fun for Homemaker Thrift Shop manager Karen Bussy, who invites the public to help celebrate Homemaker’s 40th anniversary and 40 years of giving back to Branford.
“We used to be the only thrift store in town,” says Karen. “Now, people who love to go to thrift shops are coming to Branford because we have quite a few shops here. It’s really amazing and it really helps us to continue to give back.”
For four decades, the volunteer-based Branford non-profit has been gifting local causes with contributions from store sales. To date, more than $400,000 has been donated since the group first set up shop back in 1976. Donations got to support Branford Food Pantry, Community Dining Room, Orchard House Adult Medical Day Care, Branford Emergency Fuel Assistance Fund, Branford Medical Transportation, and Branford Counseling Center’s “Basic Needs” program.
From Monday, Aug. 1 to Saturday, Aug 6, Homemaker will share birthday party refreshments to say thanks to supporters and shoppers, and to celebrate 40 years of giving. Shoppers can make also make any purchase to enter a raffle for a $50 store gift certificate (the winner will be drawn Aug. 6).
A Branford native who took her passion for volunteering and love of retail to the next level when she was hired to manage Homemaker Thrift Shop four years ago, Karen is one of the reasons the bustling business in the Brushy Plains plaza has become a hot spot for shoppers, says Homemaker Board of Directors President Pat Mansfield.
“She is the face of this store,” say Pat. “Karen just makes everything so easy for the rest of us, well over and above her job.”
Karen helped take Homemaker into the computer age with technology assistance that today does everything from tracking inventory to ringing up sales and running spreadsheets to keep track of it all. She founded the shop’s Facebook page and oversees its website as well.
A mom of three (twin daughters and a son) incoming seniors at Branford High School (BHS) this year, Karen grew up in Short Beach (née D’Argento) and graduated from BHS with the Class of 1984.
“I remember shopping at the old store on Maple Street,” says Karen. “I would spend hours trying on clothes!”
Karen’s mother, Sandra Wilson, and her aunt, Susan Wilson, both volunteered at Homemaker’s, eventually becoming part-time managers, and that’s how Karen got involved on the other side of the racks.
“We have a lot of mother-daughter and aunt relations among our volunteers,” says Karen. “We have 25 volunteers and I think that’s amazing, that there are so many people willing to give their time to keep it running. It warms my heart to see a lot of friendships that have formed. They’ll go to lunch together, spend time together, and look out for each other.”
Homemaker’s hardworking Board of Directors makes up much of the support needed behind the scenes, says Karen, adding, “I see what goes into it. Pat [Mansfield] puts in endless hours here. We’re all just cheering each other on.”
Karen worked at a high-end women’s fashion store at a shoreline outlet before taking on the management role for Homemaker and she’s enjoyed folding in her expertise to heighten the experience for shoppers who come through Homemaker’s doors.
“I like to set up little vignettes and arrange the shop so things look great,” says Karen. “Other things, like just talking to people when they first come and pointing out what’s new, or talking to our volunteers about what our goals are or how well we did on their day...I loved that when I worked at the outlets. You felt more like a team.”
Another trick?
“We try to keep our inventory moving around, and keep it fresh...We sell it so it goes fast. The prices are great—we price it so it goes out the door,” says Karen.
As for that inventory, it arrives daily, in boxes of donations dropped off during store hours and through consignments (accepted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
“Every day brings something new. We never know what’s going to be in a box. It’s like Christmas,” says Karen.
She and her crew of volunteers always have a sense of the latest trends sought by savvy shoppers. Right now, that includes young guys gathering to get their hands on popular vintage Polos and shoppers with an eye for potential treasures displayed in the shop’s jewelry cases or among its electronics offerings.
“Guys usually come in a little group, looking for vintage Polo or Izod shirts or to see if we have bar ware and signs; trendy stuff. They’re also looking for older electronics like Nintendo and Game Cubes,” says Karen. “All of our ladies love jewelry. It always fits and it always looks good.”
The shop is also a popular stop for people who like to repurpose, refurbish, or repaint accent furniture.
“It’s really just such a fun place to shop and to look around. People would be surprised at what they find here if they take the time,” says Karen.
Homemaker Thrift Shop is located at 4 Brushy Plain Road in the Brushy Plain Plaza (Unit 115), open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 203-481-5161.