Shopping at the QC!

It is open every Tuesday during the school year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The first Tuesday of the month is a Donation day. Each remaining Tuesday, the store opens to our community and the public at large to shop for high-quality and on-trend clothing, as well as some great WFS School Spirit Wear. 

The QC ranks as the most significant grossing fundraising component of the Home and School Association and contributes the majority of funding towards gifts purchased for the School at the end of the year. So, take a look behind the scenes and see what it’s like at the QC – and if you have a few spare moments, sign up to volunteer; it’s really fun! 

Last year, the QC underwent a remodel and update to both the store and its systems, including a renovation of the overall space to accommodate even more clothing, the introduction of later hours, and the creation of a website (www.quakercloset.com) to provide the most up-to-date information on what is in the store and upcoming shopping/donation/sale events. The QC also instituted a new automated sales system designed to maintain consistent sales and adequately account for each consigner’s sales, and (drum roll…) the ability to use credit cards for purchases.  

 

The QC could not offer its services or the amazing deals without a group of incredible volunteers. Beyond helping with day-of sales, the QC relies on volunteers to assist with posting ads on social media to attract customers, rearranging the store each week to feature new and exciting merchandise, and is particularly crucial for donation days. They help sort through each consignor’s bag. Item by item, they check for stains, rips/tears, then tag and place each piece on hangers, helping to organize the over 1,500 pieces of clothing the store receives each donation day. 

 

Next, each donated item is individually entered into the system, linking it to the consignor’s name and number, as well as the item’s category, brand, color, and size. A photo is taken of each item to ensure that even if a tag falls off, the item can be found in our system and allocated to the proper consignor.  The system is then able to learn price ranges for each type/brand/condition of an item. This creates more consistent and fair pricing, gives us an overall view of what is in the store, alerts us to the type/category of best-selling items, and allows us to track when an item is moved to the sale floor. The system also ensures that each donated item is given the same amount of time before any sales/discounts are applied. 

Then, finally, the fun of deciding what goes where and trying to fit what should be a warehouse full of clothing into an aptly named “closet” begins.  It is a lot of work, for sure. But it’s also a lot of fun! So please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by if you are interested in volunteering.  

 

The QC is not just an ordinary consignment store, though.  It operates as a multiplier for the WFS SPICES of Stewardship, Community, and Equality. It is an excellent way to build relationships and connect with those both within and outside the WFS community. Some shoppers have been at WFS since their kids were in preschool (decades ago); those who graduated and now have their own kids to bring; current students who stop in during their lunch break, people who drive by, saw the signs/heard about the great deals from friends; and those who are new to the School or just moved here. And, of course, there are current teachers, staff, and fellow WFS parents in the store, shopping, consigning, and having fun while connecting.   

 

Reaching outside the world of Friends, the QC is an active partner with charities around the region. Last year, the QC proudly donated its unneeded clothing to several non-profit organizations in the community. These organizations include The Abundant Life Community Development Corporation, Prepare to Thrive,  Phoenix Family Resource Center, and the Veterans Multi-Service Center. Each of these serves segments of our community that are frequently in need of clothing for school, work, and outerwear for those cold winter months. We encourage you to take a moment to check them out and see some of the fantastic work that they do for so many!

 

Regardless of any changes, the QC remains filled with the same care, commitment, kindness, equality, stewardship, and community that have made it what it is for many decades. So, if you’re in the area (on a Tuesday), please come and check out the QC. You can volunteer, sign up to become a consignor, and/or shop. We would love to show you some of the new renovations, fabulous sustainable fashion finds, and become a part of the QC community.

 

Join our community and shop sustainably at the QC!