Second Glance: The Place Where Items Are Given Another Chance
WEST HARWICH – Second Glance, aptly named for the reaction patrons are likely to experience as they browse the shop, is the perfect addition to a Saturday shopping spree. The merchandise is made up of quality second-hand goods, but more importantly the profits are essential in helping the Family Pantry of Cape Cod purchase food for its clients.
The thrift shop, which is part of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod’s organization, is open to the public and carries items such as clothes, jewelry, shoes, furniture, art and household items, all of which are vetted for quality.
“I want to call it the Macy’s of thrift,” said Paul Lonergan, the pantry’s executive director.
The donation center is located at the pantry’s main facility in Harwich at 133 Queen Anne Rd. They will accept summer and winter clothing that is new or gently used, kitchen items, lamps, artwork, books (recipe and beach reads), small appliances, jewelry, un-upholstered furniture, dishes, glassware, pots and pans and other knick knacks.
Jennifer Vaughn, manager at Second Glance, located at 265 Route 28, will then price the piece accordingly and curate the space with all the merchandise.
Inside, it’s not your average thrift store. Lonergan said he was “blown away” by his first visit to the store.
“I’ve been in thrift stores and I expected, you know, piles and a little disorganization,” he said.
The shop is precisely organized with sections for each item. Clothes are hung neatly on racks and jewelry is placed in glass cases, neatly arranged so visitors can easily look through the pieces.
Many of the donations can be described as “vintage,” with some designer brands in the mix as well.
But there really is something for everyone, whether it’s a unique ring for children’s dress-up, a new coat for the grandparents, some furniture to add to the house for new homeowners or a family looking for trinkets to make their house a home, no one is leaving empty handed.
While many of the donations come from the donation center, Vaughn will also receive personal invitations to pick up goods at private homes. One of the volunteers has been known to strip and repaint some of the furniture.
“The stock is beautiful,” said Lonergan. “There are tables that you would see in an antique store.”
Occasionally the shop will also hold sales. Earlier this year, there was a very successful Memorial Day sale. Lonergan said the pieces of furniture that were sold were the “lion’s share of the seasonal summer sales.”
All of the proceeds go toward restocking the pantry’s shelves with food. Lonergan called the process a life cycle, saying that purchasing used clothing helps purchase food which helps people survive.
The sustainable practice of thrifting has been having a cultural resurgence in the last few years as younger generations look for pre-loved items. While there are a lot of choices while thrifting on the Cape, make sure Second Glance is a stop along the journey this summer.
Second Glance is open year-round, Monday through Saturday. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the winter, closing time is 4 p.m.
For more information on donations, visit thefamilypantry.com/Thrift-Shop.
To contribute to The Chronicle's Summertime Helping Neighbors campaign, click here. You can also mail a tax-deductible contribution to The Family Pantry, 133 Queen Anne Rd., Harwich, MA 02645, or call 508-432-6519.
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