Economy Shop volunteer Pam Herrlinger, left, helps customer Susan Brunasso.

Claremont’s oldest thrift store has re-opened for its 83rd season.

And as is the case on most mornings at the Economy Shop, a line of customers stood under the blue awning on First Street and welcomed the all-volunteer staff as they opened for business after the usual summer hiatus.

Longtime customers regularly make their way through the small shop, which once housed Claremont’s original telephone company.

College students come for the 25- and 50-cent books. Young mothers come for the baby clothes, and others stroll through to check out the seasonal merchandise, clothes and shoes, vintage jewelry and whatever other treasures may await them.

But mostly, they said, they come for the fun and welcoming experience inside the store – and are as enthusiastic about the Economy Shop as the volunteers who run it.

“We love what we do,” said Karen Reed. “It’s two-fold. The money goes to charity and is for a great cause, and we love the excitement of seeing what new donations we’ve received and watching customers find things they love.”

Giving, caring, sharing

The Economy Shop donates nearly all of its proceeds to local charities. It donated $39,000 last year to help Claremont After-School Programs (CLASP), Cross Roads, Project Sister,  Hope Partners, Uncommon Good, Visiting Nurses and Shoes that Fit.

Longtime volunteers (left to right) Pam House, Madlyn Richer, Joan Blozis and Karen Reed were happy to help out when The Economy Shop re-opened after the summer hiatus.

The Board of Directors meets twice a year, and accepts proposals from organizations that would like to be considered for donations.

Charitable giving has been at the heart of the thrift store since it opened in the 1930s. A few ladies from the Claremont chapter of the American Red Cross began gathering clothing for the orange pickers from Mexico who came every year during the citrus season.

The Economy Shop relies on an everincreasing amount of quality donations from area residents and customers.

“There are so many good people out there dedicated to this shop,” said 20-plus-year volunteer Pam Herrlinger, in between warm welcomes and hugs from other volunteers and customers.

“The seasonal stuff is really great – and so are these ladies. I love them,” said longtime customer Susan Brunasso.

Many of the thrift shop’s volunteers came to opening day, even though they weren’t scheduled to work.

“I love the people here,” said Shop Manager Pam House. “The excitement of getting these donations, and putting them all out – it’s wonderful.”

The Economy Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and is located at 325 W. First St., Claremont.