Thrift Shop Review: Two Flights Down
Past Stillwell’s ice cream shop along Main Street in downtown Exeter, there’s a small alley with stairs leading down towards the Squamscott River. Walk down the stairs, and you will find a small clothing shop with a wooden sign that reads “Two Flights Down.” Although the name does not suggest anything about the shop other than the fact that it is indeed located several steps down the street, it is in fact one of the greatest consignment shops you could find. The owner of the shop, Shirley, has been working in the thrift shop business since the 80s’. After the owners of the thrift shop she used to work for—One Flight Up—moved away, she decided to start her own thrift shop to pursue her passion.
Inside of the shop, you can find quality women and men’s clothes of all sorts, formal and casual, as well as antique jewelries, handbags and dress shoes. Whatever your style may be, whether it’s trendy or classic, elegant or sporty, you are sure to find something that fits your look. Many of the goods in the shop are from authentic designer brands with timeless styles and quality fabric, and the amazingly low prices make them available to everyone.
Consigning and purchasing outfits in a thrift shop is also a very good way to reduce waste and protect the environment. It is estimated that the volume of clothing Americans throw away each year is going to double to 14 million tons (80 pounds per person) in the next 20 years, and according to the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), the waste created by those discarded textiles is equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from 7.3 million cars. Often, we skim through the dazzling pictures of pretty clothes online, purchase an item of clothing from the internet and then immediately toss it away or put it aside after taking pictures at an event.
We rarely control our impulses and think of the environmental consequences when we buy clothes. We think of nothing beyond short-term satisfaction. Many times, the clothes that we throw away are still in good condition and could be reused by a different owner. By giving clothes to a thrift shop, you will not only doing yourself a favor, but also making sure that the fabulous clothes you once loved continue to get the love they deserve.
Selling clothes to and purchasing clothes at a thrift shop is undoubtedly a rewarding experience. Not only will you be able to get some extra cash back if you sell, but you’ll also clear your mind and clear your wardrobe. When you shop, you will learn to buy things with a purpose, knowing the things that you are looking for and the things you really need, instead of blindly taking in things that you might regret later on.
“My favorite part of having the store are the customers,” Shirley said. “People come in with their own style, and they don’t need a mall to tell them what to wear.” By picking the clothes that you actually enjoy wearing and getting rid of the ones that are worn less often, you will gradually find your own style and realize what kind of outfits fit you the best.
Heading into the second to last week of the school year, as you pack before going back home, if you have any summer wear that you want to consign, you can bring it to Two Flights Down on May 31st. Shirley will be accepting no more than 10 items from each person. Start a green life by consigning and shopping in a thrift shop!