Bargain pricing is staple of Pleasant Street shop
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Budget-conscious and bargain-hunting shoppers may find exactly the item that fits their pocketbook and their need at the newly renovated Salvation Army Family Store at 2 Pleasant St. near Market Square.
“It’s really been busy. I think the prices are awesome. We really don’t have too much over $5. Prices start around 50 cents,” said Vicki Sprague, store manager. 
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
PRICED WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE — Christmas decorations, clothing, home furnishings and even a wedding dress can be found at the Salvation Army Family Store on Pleasant St. in Houlton.
As for Christmas shopping, “right now, people are looking for Christmas items, housewares, knick-knacks, warm clothes, coats, hats and mittens,” according to Ree Matthews, a sales clerk for the store. “We have a huge array of different types of clothing for all ages. A nice coat might only cost $2-$7. It’s affordable and there is something for everyone,” Matthews explained.
Sprague said the low prices and inventory of new and gently used items are attributable to generous supporters. “We really appreciate the wonderful and beautiful donations the community has brought into the store for us and we thank them for it.”
The store opened in October 2008. But the Salvation Army had to close down the operation for a few weeks. “We ran into a couple of problems and the building really needed a lot of work,” said Capt. Irma Pearl.
The landlord installed new vinyl siding and “the building is really looking great. The manager has put the items in here to really get the people’s attention so they know where things are. You can find a little bit of everything and anything here.”
Pearl added that since everything is donated, the store can price items at very low prices. “But, it’s not just for those who cannot afford to go out and spend a lot of money. Any person can come into this store. It doesn’t matter who they are, they can come in and get all these unique little things we have in the store.”
Clothing and other donations are inspected to make sure they are clean, not stained, ripped or broken, according to Pearl. “We do rag outs. That means, clothes that are stained or not saleable, are sold to a company for rags and we get money for that,” said Pearl commenting on the quality of merchandise. 
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
NEW LOOK — New siding put a fresh new look on the Salvation Army Family Store.
Also keeping the prices down is the assistance of dedicated volunteers. Sprague spoke highly of resident “Mary Cummings who faithfully volunteers three to four days a week and does a wonderful job with our clothing and our rag outs. I don’t know what we would do without her. She is retired and has always worked in retail sales and brings that experience to us.”
Ample parking, said Pearl, makes it easy to stop in and shop. Store hours are Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. But, Pearl said, donations should be made before 4 p.m.
Sprague added that she is always looking for volunteers. For information, call: 521-0230.
