Thrifty Deals in Sussex

By Mary Jo Tarallo

Love a bargain and up for an adventure? Well, thrifting might just be the ticket for you! AND Delaware’s coastal towns are chockablock with thrift shops. Thrift shops typically are affiliated with a cause or charity, and they offer some incredible prices on everything from kitchenware to clothing since the inventory is donated.

The American Veterans Thrift Store has a couple of locations – one on Tenley Court in Lewes (near Matt’s Fish Camp) and one on John Hudson Highway (RT 24) in Rehoboth (across from the Delaware Eye Institute). Shopping here supports the Home of the Brave Foundation (HOB), a transitional housing program for honorably discharged, homeless U.S. Veterans.

Habitat for Humanity is a wellknown brand thanks, in part, to Former President Jimmy Carter. The ReStore on Route 9 has likely stocked plenty of start-up condos in the Coastal towns. It focuses primarily on furniture but also carries tools and hardware, paint brushes, electronics, kitchen cabinets, appliances and even toilets.

ReStore offers seniors 62 and over a 15 percent discount on most items and a 15 percent discount every day for the military. ReStore implements a timetable for discounts on items meaning the longer an item is in its inventory the more it is discounted.

The organization will pick up free large items. ReStore has a small staff and depends on about 46 volunteers who log hundreds of hours doing everything from maintaining the show room to picking up donated items, according to Director Cathy Basenese.

Its website spells out its purpose: “The ReStore is our solution for turning these donations, from generous and environmentally concerned individuals and businesses, into money to build homes for families”. Families who benefit from the houses are asked to pitch in as well. “I tell them it’s not a hand-out, it’s a hand UP”, says Basenese. The proceeds remain in Sussex County and help fund the construction of homes for qualified families.

New Life Thrift Shop is perched behind the Jiffy Lube on Coastal Highway. Comparing thrift shops, the two-building shop has one of the best clothing departments in the area. It also has an extensive Christmas department packed with wreaths, ornaments, figurines and more.

The complex is part of the Ministry of the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Congregations. Proceeds fund numerous community organizations and charities in the area including the Cape Henlopen Food Basket, the Lewes Volunteer Fire Department, St Vincent De Paul, in Lewes, and Rehoboth plus more than 15 churches in the area.

Like more thrift shops, New Life is always seeking volunteers and they pride themselves on their current crew. “I make it clear, there is no riff raff, no politics”, says manager Andrea Caswell. “We’re here for a reason”. (SPECIAL NOTE: Thursday is Seniors Day, and each month there’s a new calendar with multiple sales days.)

Check the shop websites for details on donations and shopping hours. Other popular shops in the area are God’s Way (closest location is on Coastal Highway/ Rehoboth, Unfinished Business (also off Coastal Highway in Rehoboth, and All Saints near Dewey.