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Thrift shops have been busy since COVID-19 restrictions lifted

Treasure Haus is busy in both customers and in donations; MRCI Bargains running out of space

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The Treasure Haus thrift shop in New Ulm has been busy serving customers and taking in donations that built up during the COVID-19 shutdown. People spent their time at home cleaning out closets, and have been waiting for a chance to bring them somewhere to donate.

NEW ULM — Thrifts shops are experiencing a surge of customers since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Not only are shoppers returning in large numbers, but thrifts store are also seeing an increase in donations.

The reasons for the increase in donations is related to the quarantine.

During the lockdown individuals stuck at home were able to sort through items they no longer wanted or need them, but with restrictions in place, there was no place to take them. Garage sales were not an option for those trying to maintain social distancing. Many area communities canceled citywide garage sales. The result was a surplus of items.

Since Governor Tim Walz’s recent lifting of restriction has allowed thrift stores to open and start taking donations, some thrift stores have been overwhelmed.

MRCI Bargains at Westridge Roads briefly stopped accepting donations due to space limitations. MRCI Bargains volunteer Karen Borth said when the store reopened staff was fielding 30 calls a day from people wanting to donate items.

Borth said volunteers and space are limited. Since most of the volunteers at MRCI are seniors and are reluctant to return with COVID-19 as an ongoing risk. With not enough people to sort through items and make space for further donations.

The Treasure Haus on South Broadway has seen a similar impact. Store floor manager Libby Kassulke confirmed donations were on the rise, but Treasure Haus has limited donation times to Wednesday and Saturday.

“On Saturday there was a line down the alley right when we open,” Kassulke said.

By only allowing donations on Wednesdays and Saturdays the store is able to meet COVID-19 guidelines. Donated items are taken, but kept isolated for at least a few days before volunteers begin sorting the donated items. It has also created a limited window for when people can donate.

Kassulke said since Treasure Haus reopened the most commonly donated items are housewares and clothing.

Borth said MRCI Bargains is seeing a wide variety of donated items, but clothes are the number one item.

Treasure Haus has seen a surge of customers since reopening. Kassulke said last week the store place a 12 person cap to maintain social distancing.

“Multiple times we were at capacity and had to ask people to wait,” she said. “We were not expecting that.”

This cap has been lifted this week and the Treasure Haus sees a steady stream of customers. The most sought after items are kids’ clothes.

“Kids did continue to grow during coronavirus,” Kassulke said.

Treasure Haus is still operating under reduced hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

MRCI Bargains is open Noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The store is able to take donations but asks donors to call 507-354-3289 before coming to the store to assure space is available.

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