The Planet Aid Thrift Center, at 5245 Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary this past Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. More than 400 customers came out to help celebrate the anniversary over the weekend.
The Thrift Center has been well-received by the greater Baltimore community, and has developed a reputation for offering quality clothing and other goods at an affordable price.
"This past year has been great and has flown by," stated Joe Calderon, Thrift Center Store Manager. "We are grateful for all the community members who have supported us in getting started."
A Look Back at the Past Year...
Grand Opening: Planet Aid opened its first-ever thrift center on Oct. 1, 2015, in Baltimore, MD. The grand opening welcomed hundreds of customers eager to explore the new store. The proceeds from the Thrift Center benefit numerous development programs and initiatives that we offer in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Visit from County Councilman Tom Quirk: Councilman Quirk visited the Thrift Center on Feb. 16, 2016, to recognize its success in the community. "It's a good business for our community, I'm glad they're here," Quirk said. After the visit, The Baltimore Sun published an article outlining the success of the Thrift Center in its first 5 months of business. To the left is a photo of Councilman Quirk's Legislative Aid, Margaret Stokes.
Regional Manager Tom Gentry appeared on Maryland Public Television: Your Money and Business airs on MPT every Thursday night throughout the state. Gentry discussed the store's success and how it compares to other thrift retailers in the area. The Thrift Center uses profits to support development projects around the world, including teacher training, Farmers' Clubs, and Child Aid.
Watch the full segment below, and learn more about the Planet Aid Thrift Center here.
Started a rewards program: On April 14, 2016, the Thrift Center launched a rewards program. For every $1 a customer spends, they receive 1 point, if the customer receives 50 points within a 30-day time span, the customer receives a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase.
Implemented text alerts for special offers: On April 15, 2016, the Thrift Center introduced text alerts.
Celebrated Earth Day by giving out tree saplings: In sticking with its mission to help the environment, on April 22, 2016, in celebration of Earth Day, the Thrift Center gave out tree saplings to the first 50 customers who donated an item to the store.
Visit from local thrifting expert, Linay Reed: Reed visited the Thrift Center on April 28, 2016. She is the owner of Dainty Rebel Vintage, a "preloved" clothing store specializing in vintage fashion that donates a percentage of sales to organizations helping the youth in Baltimore city.
Find out below why she likes shopping at the Planet Aid Thrift Center.
Welcomed its 50,000th customer: Over the July 4, 2016, holiday weekend, the Thrift Center received its 50,000th customer, nine months after opening its doors.
Introduced Fall lineup: The Thrift Center introduced its Fall clothing lineup during a grand reopening celebration held on Sept. 8, 2016. The reopening also featured prize giveaways.