New CAW thrift shop prepares for September opening
A stake sign advertising the new Campus Thrift Shop is shown outside the CAW on Thursday, Aug. 20. (Photo: Arran Christie/The Lance)
Students will have a dedicated place to buy and sell secondhand clothing on campus this year, as a new thrift shop in the CAW Student Centre is preparing to open its doors on Sept. 21.
Operating hours have yet to be finalized, but are expected to be between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The thrift shop will be located across from the pharmacy in the lower level of the CAW and sell clothing on consignment. Student vendors can reserve a clothing rack in the store for up to two weeks starting sometime in October, although this date has yet to be confirmed. Students will also be able to adjust or replenish their stock as needed and set their own prices.
When an item sells in-store, the sale price will be split 60/40 in favour of the student consignor. Clothing that does not sell can either be returned to the student or donated to the thrift shop.
Sandra Riccio-Muglia, Director of Events and Programming for the UWSA, clarified that the thrift shop’s earnings will not function as profit for the Student Centre. Revenue will primarily go toward staff wages and operational costs, with any remaining funds going back into Student Centre programming.
Riccio-Muglia said that the initiative developed from the popularity of the campus thrift markets, which were hosted annually in the CAW Commons.
“We've tried thrift days in the Student Centre and they’re very well received. Students love to bring in their clothing and students love to buy their clothing at discounted prices and rates,” she explained.
Filled clothing racks peak through the Campus Thrift Shop’s privacy film ahead of its Sept. 21 opening date. (Photo: Arran Christie/The Lance)
The shop is expected to have an “edgy vintage” aesthetic, and will be staffed entirely by students.
An entrepreneur herself, Riccio-Muglia plans to oversee the store’s operations and teach its student employees how to successfully run a retail store. She’s also considering allowing student artists to display or sell their artwork in the shop, and help decorate.
“I really just wanted it to be a good, fun student space where everything in there is selling and buying from students.”
“All the students who are participating right now are super thrilled about [the thrift shop]. They love the idea of it. […] I want to make sure that students are engaged and happy about it.”
Students can follow the store’s Instagram page, @campusthriftshopuwindsor, for updates on the store’s opening, employment opportunities, consignment registration, and thrift-related events.