Nonprofit organizations thrive through local vintage shops

Despite the popularity of for-profit second-hand stores like Le Frock and Atlas, some Seattle second-hand stores still sell to benefit nonprofits in the community. Whether selling couture clothing or kitschy cabinets, these stores bring funds to their causes in fresh ways.


About one month ago, Karen Mayers Gamoran opened the store Karen's Vintage Couture in Pioneer Square as a creative approach to raising money for nonprofits. The store sells gently used designer clothing and accessories and is currently affiliated with numerous local and national organizations which can be viewed on the boutique's Web site at karensvintagecouture.com.


Gamoran, who has been working in social services for more than 25 years, hopes her shop will not only raise money but contribute to the community in other ways.

"I want to revitalize Pioneer Square," she says.


The modestly sized boutique is lined with pieces from luxury designers. From Gucci to Emilio Pucci, Karen's Vintage Couture has high fashion names available for a fraction of the original cost. What would normally be a $600 Prada backpack is tagged for less than one-quarter of the retail price.


Gamoran has been able to set Karen's Vintage Couture in motion with the aid of donations from various contacts and her own closet. Each piece from the store has a significant portion of the sale donated to its designated organization.


Closer to campus and lighter on the pocket, the Lifelong AIDS Alliance operates a thrift store just blocks from Seattle U, funding programs for Lifelong clients and HIV and AIDS education with its proceeds. The store currently has 25 volunteers.

Mike Kola, Lifelong Thrift Store's manager for the past seven years, says the store runs more like a boutique and collectible store than the average thrift store.


"We receive so many great donations," Kola says. "This is why [the store is] so successful."


The store's profits not only go to the Lifelong AIDS Alliance, but to outside agencies such as the Downtown Emergency Service Center and various international African relief organizations.


Reusing second-hand goods is also a sustainable practice, but the RE Store takes sustainability to another level.


Resources for Sustainable Communities is a nonprofit that created the RE Store to carry out the mission of preserving natural resources. The organization annually salvages more than 4 million pounds of usable building material–such as tile, vintage lighting and doors–to sell in its stores and keep out of landfills. RE Store location opened in Ballard in 1999 and has seen a steadily growing customer rate in the last few years.


The RE Store hosts DIY workshops to provide a unique approach for the restoration savvy.


"People are looking for character," says Sarah Krueger, marketing manager of the RE Store's Seattle location. "[The RE Store] provides lots of things you can't go out and buy today because the resources have been depleted."

The RE Store also supports local artists by hosting recycled art shows.


Through programs like these and the money they raise, thrift stores can accomplish something bigger than other second-hand stores.


"I love fashion," Gamoran says. "But I also want to do something that would be productive for the community."


Britt may be reached at traubb@seattleu.edu