ABOUT US
History:
It's hard to believe that the Nearly New Shop is in it’s 52nd year at its present location at the corner of Mile Creek Road and Route 156 in Old Lyme, Connecticut. It is even more impressive that the Nearly New Shop is among the oldest continuously running resale shops in the United States.
In Old Lyme, the genesis of a thrift store, soon to be named the Nearly New, was inspired by the gallant efforts of Mrs. Lucy Sands in the early 1950s. She was a devoted parishioner of the mission church located on Mile Creek Road, and worked tirelessly to support the efforts to develop the mission into a full fledged parish (Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church) as well as helping needy families. Other volunteers joined the effort and the pattern was set for years to come. The Nearly New owes its longevity to the legions of volunteers who, over the years, have worked diligently to sort, price, display, and sell clothing, household and miscellaneous other items at reasonable prices.
The 1980’s saw a big change in how the shop was operated. It changed from a thrift/donations only store to a consignment shop. This meant a big jump in bookkeeping, and placed more burdens on the volunteers. The Nearly New Shop hired a manager with obvious changes in how the shop was operated. The 90’s saw the introduction of computers, and in 2001 credit cards were accepted. Now they represent 1/3 of the total sales.
In 1990 the vestry of Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church assumed total responsibility for the shop. There is now greater emphasis on marketing, and working with the consignors to maximize the return for the consignor as well as the shop. Consignment shops are very popular places to shop now. The term thrifting has been added to the lexicon. There is even a popular mystery story based in a consignment shop! The Nearly New has also reached out to the community more. For example, it has had a booth on the grounds of the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts during the Midsummer Festival since 2006.
Through all the changes, The Nearly New has continued generate critically needed funds for the mission work of Saint Ann’s whether it be a shelter in New London or the batays of Santa Domingo. The feelings of good will are palpable to all who work at the Nearly New and the dear friends who are made and sustained through the work . May the Nearly New continue to adapt to the changing times and flourish for many years to come!!!
Mission statement:
To lead by example, in communion with God and community. “Then He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragment were taken up by them.” Luke 9:16-17 NKJV
Just as Jesus after giving thanks fed five thousand on five loaves and two fish, The Nearly New Shop strives to follow His example by feeding, clothing, and servicing those who participate in the process whether they be employees, volunteers, donors, consignors or recipients of outreach contributions.
To provide fellowship among community volunteers while working toward the common goal of maximizing contributions to the outreach programs of Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church and Women of Saint Ann’s (WSA).
