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The couple have recently purchased the building and
are planning to give the entire exterior a facelift, making in look
new and modern.
The new business at the north end is the culmination
of a dream of Amanda Pollice, and a desire to offer local shoppers a
small boutique style shop where gently used clothing can be
purchased at a fraction of the original price tag.
Pollice began selling on the internet through popular auction sites,
but had a desire to become a brick and mortar location. When her
husband purchased the building, she began transforming the north end
into the vision of her dreams.
Pollice said that all of her merchandise is offered through
consignment, and she has a number of consigners in the store
already. She added that as one shops, they may find that some of the
items have never been worn and in fact still hold their original
price tags. She said comparing the price on the new with tags items
to the consignment price will illustrate the bargains that shoppers
will get in her store.
Pollice said that there is a process to participating
in consignment at her shop. She said that clients bring their items
to her and she requires seven days to research the items and decide
whether or not she will take them on consignment. If she does accept
the items, then they are put on the rack for a total of 45 days. At
the end of 45 days, if the items have not sold the consigner has the
option to come and get the items or donate them through Pollice to
another local organization called Threads.
Threads is located in the basement of the Salvation Army Keest
Center on North Kickapoo Street in Lincoln. The ‘shop’ is
exclusively for teenagers and all the clothing in the shop is
offered free of charge. Pollice said she fully supports this
practice because it offers young men and women the opportunity to
have ‘in fashion’ clothing as they attend school. Having raised
three children, including two boys and one daughter who is currently
15 years old and in high school, she said that she has a real
understanding of the peer pressure of fitting in.
Speaking of her daughter, she added that Bella who is a former
Junior Miss Logan County helps out at the shop and is always
offering opinions on the clothing that comes in, especially the
items that are more geared toward girls and boys her age.
Even though there is an emphasis on giving young people more
options, Pollice said that the clothing she offers encompasses all
age groups from “18 to 80.”
Currently, the most of her offerings are aimed toward females, she
has a room set aside that will be exclusively for guys. She said on
Saturday that she has inventory coming in for men, and it is just a
matter of time before she has everything in place. Because the space
is small, she said that the goal is to get one room at a time ready
for customers.
On Saturday, at least one shopper talked about how she liked the
small exclusive selection an the small cozy space. The boutique
feeling is something that is not normally seen in a thrift store
environment.
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In addition to clothing, Pollice said she will be
offering handbags, jewelry and accessories. She said there will be
some shoes, but she intends to be quite picky about what she offers
in that area.
As Pollice has been working to set up her business, she said she has
had a lot of support from other downtown businesses, and she
appreciates the cheerleaders that include but are not limited to
ladies such as Melanie Welch at the Bee, Katie Simpson-Charron at
Rose & Thorn, and Jessica Goodman from Little Barn Boutique. She
said that she is quite thankful for another gal that has helped her
immensely, Kara Schmidt.
On Saturday, Amanda was joined behind the ribbon by her husband Sal,
Michael Schmidt representing his wife Kara who was out of town,
volunteer store clerk Eva Bond, Lincoln City Clerk Peggy Bateman,
and Mayor Tracy Welch. Holding the ribbon for the cut was Little
Miss Logan County Olivia Harmson and Karen Castelein of Lincoln
Daily News.
Mayor Welch was asked to speak on behalf of the city.
He welcomed Pollice to the community and expressed his gratitude
that Lincoln is growing small businesses with the help and
investment of folks like the Pollices.
Before snipping the ribbon Amanda said that she was
happy to be a part of Lincoln and very appreciative of the welcome
she had received from shoppers and the business community.
After posing for the group photo, Pollice then
snipped the ribbon on her new business. Afterward guests were
invited inside to enjoy some nicely decorated cookies and do a bit
of shopping.
Pollice was also participating in the Downtown business Retail
Therapy Saturday, and shoppers were dropping in as soon as the doors
were open to check out all that Pollice had to offer.
The regular store hours at AP Thrift will be Wednesday through
Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some special extended hours
during the holiday season. Keep up with AP Thrift Haus via social
media for special events and new arrivals.
[Nila Smith]
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