After 60 years, The Southampton Hospital Foundation Thrift Shop will close on November 12. The “going out of business” sale starts Wednesday, October 12, at 40 West Main Street in Southampton with all items 75 percent off.
“While we are sad to close our doors, we are deeply grateful for the many decades of community support,” said Mirella Cameran-Reilly, President of the Southampton Hospital Foundation. “For sixty years, sales from the thrift shop have enabled the purchase of vital hospital medical equipment as well as benefitted women’s cancer causes throughout the East End.”
The shop opened in 1962 at 79 Main Street in Southampton and in 2008 moved to its current location where it has been a cherished source of found treasures. Typical donations featured designer furniture and clothing, cut crystal, rare antiques, vintage clocks, fine jewelry, and art.
The summer season brought brisk business, but during the off-season months, innovative sales pitches were deployed. The staff, most of whom were volunteers, attracted customers with creative in-store DIY demonstrations, such as how to use chalk paint to repurpose old furniture, make a window scarf valance from donated fabric, and crochet using donated yarn.
One surprising donation was a signed Salvatore Dali lithograph, verified by South Bay Auction in East Moriches that sold at auction for $3000. Another exceptional gift was a mid-century red leather sofa valued at $4000, which was snapped up after hitting the showroom floor and shipped to a Colorado residence. However, the standout donation was a loyal shop enthusiast who went on a $3000 spending spree purchasing home basics for local people in need.
