Towards the end of last year a local op-shop (thrift/charity shop) closed for a little while for a good clear out refurbishment and reopened looking ‘all shiny and new’. No fear now of tripping over something😊
It’s a rather nice one, quite small in size by some of the other ‘chains’ standards: it isn’t part of a national chain but supports a local charity which means it receives plenty of good quality donations as well as other bits and pieces. Unlike some of the other shops, garments and bric a brac must be in very good condition or it doesn’t go out for sale.
I’ve browsed (and bought) there for years – even more so since the re-opening – and during that time not one person I have known has come into the shop while I’ve been there – until a couple of weeks ago.
I was looking at some newly priced garments on one of the ladies’ racks and I heard this voice say, ‘Oh Hello. How nice to see you. It must be years since the last time’
‘Are you looking for something special?’ she continued . ‘I’ve just come in to look for something for a friend, it’s not really the sort of place I frequent’
Anyway I recognised the voice instantly having worked with her many years previously but when I looked around it wasn’t me she was addressing. So I put my head down and carried on browsing. When she turned way from the shopper she was talking to and almost bumped into me I saw her look , trying to place me in her mind. Do I know this person or not?
So I thought I’d put her out of her misery, said Hello, and told her I popped in now and again – you never know what you’ll find. Well once she heard that she excused herself (Nice to see you, must go) and was out the door in a shot leaving me wondering what I’d said to upset her.
One of the volunteer staff I’ve come to know through ‘popping in regularly’ came over and asked me if I knew her, seems my ‘old friend’ usually came in on another day of the week and always seemed to find fault with the merchandise. Frequently bought clothes but was never happy as they weren’t the sort of thing she was used to but as she put it – Needs must!
It’s a shame that pride and embarrassment make us ashamed of what we have become (if that’s what it was) I certainly would not have been one to judge her.
Have you ever been in a situation like that? How would you have reacted?
Still Waters 
That poor woman. Shame is a powerful motivator isn’t it? I have used/frequented op shops for years. First when I definitely needed to, and now for the quirky (and often high quality) objects/clothing I find there. And it fits so very well with my reuse/recycle leanings. I think you handled it much better than the other customer, and hope she can find a way to come to terms with what sounds like changed circumstances.
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Oh gee… I don’t understand why shopping there would be something to be embarrassed by. When my daughter and granddaughter were here in Hawaii last year, they had fun shopping for vintage clothing there. You never know what kind of treasures you might find.
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Hari Om
I have indeed met that sort of reaction at different times and places… and I am of the opinion that such an attitude would apply regardless of where the person is because they are so insecure as to their standing. I have even overheard this being applied in Myers…”because David Jones just doesn’t stock this particular brand.” I mean really… Shop, or don’t shop, but if all that worries is being seen, then stay home! YAM xx
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I think you handled the situation quite well. Shopping at a second hand shop is good for all kinds of reasons – novelty, reusing something, being thrifty, the thrill of a bargain. Why would anyone be ashamed or embarrassed? I just try to give people a little grace and not send any more negative feelings out into the world.
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I think the way you handled the situation was perfect and there’s nothing you can do about her reaction.
I sometimes show up at work in a “new” thrifted item and proudly say where it’s from. My boss always sounds disappointed, like she’s sorry for me. I want to say it’s a generational thing but I’m pretty sure you would be of the same generation!
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I wouldn’t be embarrassed about being seen in a op shop but its a long time since I have bought anything in one. We are more likely to be donating rather than buying. The person’s luck was really out that day, seeing two people she knew in the op shop.
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Tut tut. Imagine how much life one misses out on by being hung up on image or worse whst you imagind other people think of your image. I just love second hand shops – we call them opportunity shops in New Zealand.
I just gad a thought – as you judge so shal… etc. My partner hates dancing. He hates dancing because he thinks others are making fun of him. He regularly makes snide remarks about other people throwing shapes so I assume he thinks everyone thinks like he thinks. Nobody else gives a monkeys but maybe the woman known to you judges perjoratively people who shop in op shops. Her loss.
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Your header photo is gorgeous. I can almost hear the sounds of the river.
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