THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 12, 1995 TAG: 9502100251
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY SUSIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Thrift shoppers know a good deal when they feel it.
Bargain hunting is a hands-on experience, says Tammy Blackburn, manager of the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters Thrift Shop on Armory Drive.
``To find a bargain, you can't just walk through the store,'' she offers. ``You have to actually touch every piece.''
Regulars know Blackburn puts out about 500 new items a day, so they come by several times a week to feel what's new. Some even visit two or three times a day.
And frequently, they find treasures: A nearly new Liz Claiborne dress for $8.96, a vinyl tablecloth for $1.96 or an eight-place Pfaltzcraft stoneware setting with serving dishes - minus only the salt shaker - for $49.95.
The thrift shop, in Franklin Plaza Shopping Center, opened in September 1993, the eleventh in a network of stores that benefit the hospital in Norfolk.
Blackburn, originally from White Sulfur Springs, W.Va., worked in a clothing store and managed a convenience store before switching to thrift.
``I have had jobs before when I hated to get up in the mornings,'' she said. ``This job here, I can't wait to get here. You meet different people every day.''
The store has five other employees. Though he's not on the payroll, Blackburn's husband, Bill, spends most Saturdays picking up large donated items.
The store accepts all types of clothes, furniture, household items, bric-a-brac, books and appliances except for refrigerators.
``Generally, I tell the customers, `If you can get it to the store, we'll certainly use it,' '' Blackburn said.
She often finds bags at the door when she opens, but people who want a receipt for tax purposes drop things off during the day.
When clothing is soiled or stained, Blackburn takes it home and washes it. Items that can't be used are bundled and sold overseas. Everything is recycled, she said.
While the thrift operation raises money for the hospital, it also benefits the needy. For example, a woman whose house had burned bought 12 bags of clothes with $100 donated by her church.
Shoppers, however, are not confined to the poor. Many are shoppers who appreciate value, Blackburn said. ``Quality is what sells.''
The store takes checks and credit cards. But there's no haggling over prices. Customers can wait for periodic mark-downs.
There are no dressing rooms, no refunds and no exchanges. If something doesn't fit, the shopper can always bring it back - as a donation. MEMO: THE SHOP
Where: Franklin Plaza Shopping Center, Armory Drive
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
For information: Call 562-4000 ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by JOHN SHEALLY II
Virginia Whitmore heads out the door all smiles with her purchase of
a ceiling light cover.
Kelly, left, and Jamie Bowles have a large variety of clothing to
peruse while shopping at the CHKD Thrift Store in Franklin.
by CNB