06/02/2024
The shop on Seneca St is officially closed. THANK YOU to all those who have visited. There are several reasons we had to make this very hard decision and believe we owe it to our faithful to know.
1. When we opened this shop in October we applied for a Second hand dealer license required by the City of Buffalo. It was a complicated process and we fulfilled every requirement the city had except for one. We needed a building, fire, and police inspection before the city counsel could approve our license.
These things are needed by the landlord and we’ve reached out for the past 8 months to get these done. Always being told it was being worked on. We operated without a license and the City could have closed us at any time. At this time all we’ve had done is someone came in and did a building inspection.
2. Without the license we could not apply for grants as a nonprofit. Vital assistance that could solidify our operating costs and be able to hire employees. No one will give us a grant because we need the license.
3. Without the license we could not advertise publicly. We took a chance using social media. We also couldn’t do any media or free advertising in order to avoid issues with the City as we waited for our license.
4. The shop made enough for operations but nothing else. Our labor was volunteer. No one got paid from the shop. We refused to raise prices and we helped those who couldn’t afford even our low prices. A grant or more exposure would have been huge for us.
5. I blame myself for not understanding this process fully. I used an attorney when we started the business and we have been transparent in this whole process. I should have looked more into the management process of this property and got promises in writing. But I also am a trusting person and when I give Someone my word I stick to it. I trusted others do too.
6. There was also an issue with the building with utilities. I was being charged 3 times as much in heating for 1500 square feet than I do for my two story 1700 square foot home a couple blocks away..
7. We are looking to relocate into a consignment store. We are on the waiting list at the Salamanca Mall and may be getting a spot at the rustic ridge. We plan on doing a few weekends at the East Aurora Flea Market so we will be around.
Follow us here for updates on our mobile thrift shop and thanks again for all your support. If you have any further questions please reach out and message us.
Thanks Again!
