Saturday, July 14, 2007

Anyone for Thrift Shopping?

Thrift and consignment shops are alive and well here on Cape Cod. Thrift-shoppers should note that a new blue leaflet has just been issued with an update of addresses and hours of operation. The Outer Cape now offers half a dozen thrift shop/consignment shop experiences. Strangely enough, some of my favorite haunts did not make the list.

Let’s start in Provincetown with “Ruthie’s Boutique,” located on Bradford Street, near the center of town. If you are looking for outrageous fashion, Ruthies is the place to go. For years Ruthie herself used to welcome shoppers, many of whom became friends and stepped in after her passing to continue Ruthie's effort to raise money for Outer Cape Health Services, by volunteering at the cash register. Wellfleet’s A.I.M. on Main Street supports Outer Cape Health as well. Odds and ends for the household await discovery on A.I.M’s shelves. There is also a selection of books and clothing.

A Will o’the Wisp is a brand new consignment shop at 2 Truro Center Road. Roberta Lema has managed to gather quite a collection of antiques, china, art, and bric-a-brac, which thrift-shop regulars will enjoy perusing. This pleasant, airy shop is worth a look. There seems to be something for everyone here.

My favorite consignment shop remains Orleans Community Exchange, in a new spot at 64 Main and managed by a new crew of ladies and gents. Sales benefit Nauset Region and Cape Cod Tech Scholarships. Consigners also shop here, which means the selection of items for sale changes on a regular basis.

Happy thrift-shopping to everyone!