Competition from thrift stores forces closure of Bargain Box
The first thrift store to operate on the island is being forced to close owing to increased competition and a lack of volunteers.
In statement the Board of the Committee of 25, which helps to financially support children with special or medical needs in Bermuda, said the Bargain Box will close on December 18.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and has followed many debates discussing how to face the challenges of increased competition from other thrift stores and reduced volunteer availability which has led to ever-decreasing opening hours,” the statement said.
“The closing will allow the board to refocus and reimagine their commitment to the primary focus, which is the support of Bermuda’s children with special and medical needs and charities with similar mandates.”
The statement said the board, which notes more demand for help because the cost of living has gone up, would look to try and use the Bargain Box space, on Serpentine Road, “to further our mandate”.
“The board wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the customers who shopped at the Bargain Box over many years, to browse, shop and just socialise.
“This custom and support has been appreciated and it is hoped that it will continue for our ‘blow-out’ sales and bargains, which will continue until December 18.
“Our many dedicated volunteers through the years have given their time and energy in serving the needs of our community.”
The Bargain Box first opened in a wooden building in 1975 to collect good-quality clothes and household items from members and friends, and sell them at reasonable prices, with the proceeds going to meet the expenses of the committee’s activities. It was run by Bea Stott, whose portrait is still prominently displayed.
In 1985, it had outgrown the wooden hut, which was torn down to make room for a new building with an upper floor to provide rental income. In 1991, there was a further addition to provide office space for the committee and another rental unit.
The modular structure was replaced in 2009 with a custom-designed building with an additional second floor.
The Bargain Box uses the entire ground floor, with tenants on the first and second floors. The committee’s office is also on the second floor.
Jacqueline MacLellan, the committee’s chairwoman, said: “We were the first thrift store. Now there are at least 13 across the island. That has meant more demand for volunteers.”
She said many of the thrift stores were associated with churches, or other organisations such as the hospital with The Barn, but there were some businesses opening as well.
“Our primary focus is on helping the children, and we will look to focus all our time on that rather than running the thrift store. It has done a lot for the community over the years but no longer supports our clients.”
She said the committee was seeing a growing demand for financial help as “more people in Bermuda require financial assistance”.
“It is the cost of living, the high cost of health insurance, that is part of the cost of living, but we feel positive in that the children are still getting to benefit,” Ms MacLellan said.
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