Photography by Lauren Allen.
Judging by its humble Garland Road headquarters, White Rock Center of Hope might not look like an enterprise on the cutting edge of conscientious consumerism and style.
But doors beneath the generic-looking “Thrift Shop” signage lead to an impressive operation.
Neatly distributed rows of clothing, a curated selection of furniture and accessories, and a front-and-center “boutique” area stocked with higher-end inventory meet a shopper’s eye.
“We’ve been doing a lot to try to refresh our merchandising and marketing, to make sure the store is welcoming,” Executive Director Greg Smith says. “We always have fresh sales. You’ll see our floors have been cleaned, and they’re nice and sparkly.”
The staff says that if they don’t have what you need, or want, chances are they will have it next week. “We have a lot of churn, which is great,” Smith says.
Our neighborhood is a good place to thrift. According to a 2022 study by researchers at Lawn Love (based on the number of stores and Google searches), Dallas ranks No. 12 for second-hand shopping on their list of 200.
Commenting on the study, Oklahoma State University’s Department of Design and Housing professor, June Park, explains why shopping used is good for the environment and more.
“You are closing the loop by reusing material goods, and it’s a good way to support your community because many thrift stores are locally based small businesses, and a sizable portion of their earnings goes to charity.”
A study by the upscale online vintage furniture reseller Chairish showed home furnishings is the largest sector of the entire resale market. Sales hit $15 billion in 2021 and are expected to accelerate to $22 billion by 2027.
The thrift store at White Rock Center of Hope supports programs that assist families from ZIP codes 75238, 75218, 75214, 75228 and 75223.
Donations come in through the west side of the building, behind the retail store, where volunteers accept items Monday thru Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aside from old-school electronics and items that “have been loved so much they have nothing left to give,” Smith says they will accept almost anything.
The 16,000-square-foot building includes ample space for volunteers to sort, count and organize those contributions.
Some will go to “clothing closet,” in an adjacent area, where enrolled families can choose outfits free of charge four times a year. The center distributes some 81,000 items each year and also shares with other local charities, Smith says.
The foundation uses funds from the shop to purchase new socks and underwear so clothing closet clients take home complete outfits, and it partners with North Texas Food Bank for its grocery pantry and provides a number of additional resources.
“Almost all of the labor at the thrift shop is volunteer,” Smith says. “That means every dollar at the store is benefitting people in the neighborhood.”
Since Smith joined the foundation 18 months ago, he has focused on expanding programming.
“Once people are stabilized, oftentimes they still need some help to figure out how to not need to come back again,” Smith says.
He points to a room that has been cleared to make way for a classroom where he says volunteers and social workers will teach useful skills such as financial literacy.
White Rock Center of Hope checks all the feel-good-shopping boxes, but it is not the only place in the neighborhood for resale, vintage and other second-hand treasure.
EVs
4307 Willow
EVs is a mega thrift, with indoor and outdoor areas bursting at its seams with junk, gems and everything in between. A full set of dining table chairs hang from a ceiling over tubs of vinyl records, electric guitars, dishes, purses, couches, lamps — you get the idea. Make yourself at home. There’s an easygoing vibe thanks to owner Ken See, who is glad to either chat you up or leave you to your quiet perusing. Some days the staff smokes barbecue for community suppers and to feed people in need. A percentage of EVs’ sales benefit East Dallas’ Native American Church. Call ahead for barbecue smoking requests or to volunteer at the store: 214.707.0078.
Curiosities
8920 Garland Road
When Jason Cohen says he’s going hunting, it isn’t because it’s dove season. It’s because he’s scouring resale outlets, garage sales and flea markets far and wide seeking spectacular objects for his shop, Curiosities. That doesn’t rule out returning with a dead bird, since Curiosities is known for its robust taxidermy section.
Cohen, whose mom, Terry, founded Curiosities, says his genuine desire to introduce new people to the “antiques and collectibles world” drives him.
“That means listening for what younger people are interested in and being constantly out there trying to find things for all of us to get excited about.”
Young people like things that look good in photos — nice Victorian antiques and jewelry; Native American Indian, ethnological and archaeological pieces; mid-century modern furniture and accessories and rare works of art, he says — which is a win for all.
The original Lakewood shop closed last year, but the newer Garland Road location has expanded to include two suites, so it’s huge. rated and organized with a selection that’s better than ever, Cohen says.
Super Thrift
11411 E. Northwest Highway
Patient perusers are often rewarded with fab finds, but they might have to work for them. There are rows of clothing options for men, women and children, plus luggage, hats, sunglasses, shoes, partially spent bottles of perfume, belts, ties, shoes, linens, minor furniture and kitchen and household items — there is a ton of inventory, but shoppers say it’s organized and clean.
Fahra Mitchell of the Lochwood neighborhood, who frequents the Northwest Highway reseller, recommends going once a month or so.
“I do find that if I go too often, I hardly get anything, which would indicate that they don’t have a good turnover compared to some other stores,” she says.
Before you go, check for coupons on sites such as fivestars.com, where Super Thrift sometimes posts “5% off your entire purchase” (or similar) deals.
Super Thrift is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and accepts donations during those hours.
Second Chance Treasures
10101 Garland Road
Next door to White Rock Center of Hope Thrift Store is Second Chance Treasures, where proprietors give furniture, jewelry, handbags, hats, books, vintage clothing and home accessories a second life. The shop does the same for orphaned pets, per the website.
Inside the orange brick boutique, neatly organized rows of carefully selected objects give Second Chance an antique-mall vibe. Customers are tempted by seasonal displays — think Easter egg wreaths, planters in unique vivid colors and designs, whimsical yard art, hand-painted Peter Rabbit mugs.
Go ahead and buy things you don’t need but want, because sales benefit the East Lake Pet Orphanage. That is why visitors, while browsing cat sculptures and dog embroidery, are apt to encounter the real thing, like poodle-mix Griffin, a rescue and the shop mascot, found abandoned to the streets and, thankfully, given his second chance.
To volunteer in the store or to inquire about consigning or donating, call 214.660.9696.
