The Thrift Shop in White Plains had been in continuous operation since November 11, 1918. It had been the oldest thrift shop in New York State, possibly in the country. The idea of a Thrift Exchange, as it was called, grew out of the national desire to reuse and recycle items to aid the war effort. The original Thrift Exchange was held in the Tod Market on the corner of Court Street and Martine Avenue. The building is still in existence. In 1923 the Thrift Shop moved to a barn behind the old Preudhomme residence on Church Street. It remained at that location for 50 years until finally moving to its final place in the White Plains Presbyterian Church on North Broadway. The Shop was a 501c3 entity jointly owned by the Woman’s Club of White Plains, the Scarsdale Woman’s Club, and the Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, with proceeds donated to local charities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thrift Shop of White Plains was forced to close its doors and was disbanded in 2022. The Woman’s Club of White Plains will continue the Thrift Shop of White Plains tradition and operate out of its clubhouse at 305 Ridgeway in White Plains. Credit: https://www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org/about.html
The Woman’s Club of White Plains has pop-ups throughout the year and a regular shopping day on Tuesdays from 10 am until 12 pm. Their next pop-up is on Saturday, December 3rd, from 9 am until 1 pm. The selections are all high quality and priced to sell. I cannot emphasize enough that these pop-ups are not to be missed. As for me, I have purchased some fantastic pieces that have become favorites in my wardrobe. Prices start at $4.00 (yes, $4.00) and upwards for the regular shop items, with high-end/boutique items more than reasonably priced. They also carry shoes, men’s and women’s winter clothing, and accessories. They have beautiful housewares and hosting serveware not to be missed. They will also be carrying high-end Christmas décor at the pop-up. The pictures shown are from one of their most recent pop-ups.
The volunteers are incredible, friendly, and helpful. They arrange areas for you to try on clothes (a major plus) and are devoted to raising money to help people in need in White Plains. I recently spoke to Judy Korman, Chair of the Thrift Shop and Marking, and I commend her on the great work the Woman’s Club of White Plains is doing and ALL the local charities that benefit from the work of these incredible women. Some of the previous recipients of their philanthropy include the White Plains Library, the YWCA, victims of domestic violence, and so many others.
There are also some fantastic and fun events to promote the thrift shop. They recently hosted a Sip & Swap where you can bring clothes and accessories to donate and take home donated items. They provide drinks and bites; if you are not a member, the great price is $10.00 for entry. I missed the last one but planned on being at the next one.
NEXT POP-UP – Saturday, December 3rd
9 am until 1 pm
Woman’s Club of White Plains
305 Ridgeway
White Plains, New York 10605
(914) 948-0958
ToniOnThrifting 