A new thrift store dedicated to home goods and clothing is set to open in Bushwick, New York, operated by the nonprofit organization Big Reuse. The store, located at 378 Troutman St., will span 5,000 square feet and will feature a diverse range of items, including books, dishes, and various homewares.
Justin Green, Executive Director of Big Reuse, highlighted the organization’s commitment to sustainability and reuse. “We take in a lot more stuff and a greater variety of stuff than most thrift stores do,” he stated in a recent interview. The nonprofit’s existing location in Gowanus has seen a surge in interest, prompting this expansion into a new neighborhood.
Strategic Location Choice
Bushwick was chosen for the new store due to its vibrant community and existing thrifting culture. Green noted, “There’s so much going on in that neighborhood, and lots of thrift stores already. We think it’s a destination for thrift stores, and we just wanted to be part of that.”
The building, which has a storied past as a factory constructed in the 1950s, is currently undergoing renovations using salvage materials. Green explained, “We’re making all the shelves ourselves out of reclaimed scaffolding lumber.” The aim is to open the store by mid-December 2023.
While this new location will focus on smaller household items, the Gowanus store will continue to offer a wider range of products, including furniture and building salvage. This distinction allows each location to serve different community needs effectively.
Community Engagement and Environmental Impact
Big Reuse is not new to Bushwick; the organization has previously collaborated on various community projects such as tree care and composting efforts alongside the Clean Bushwick Initiative and local City Council members Sandy Nurse and Jennifer Gutiérrez. These initiatives aim to combat climate change by promoting reuse and reducing waste.
The nonprofit’s mission is clear: to counteract climate change by reselling items and keeping them out of landfills. In a recent email newsletter, Big Reuse expressed enthusiasm for expanding its resources into a new neighborhood. “The team at our Gowanus location has been able to do incredible work keeping materials out of the landfill, and we’re looking forward to bringing this resource to a new neighborhood,” the organization stated.
As the opening date approaches, community members can look forward to a new destination for sustainable shopping that emphasizes reuse, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.
