Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shop Reinvents the Thrift Store Experience as Secondhand Shopping Soars

Lower prices, a completely refreshed store, new bargain bins, expanded social media and Thrifting Thursdays beginning July 2 make it easier than ever to shop while supporting Shore Medical Center

Thrifting has never been more popular. From savvy bargain hunters and vintage collectors to environmentally conscious shoppers, millions of Americans are embracing secondhand shopping for its affordability, sustainability and the excitement of discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. According to ThredUp's 2025 Resale Report, the U.S. secondhand apparel market grew 14% in 2024 - its strongest annual growth since 2021 - and is projected to reach $74 billion by 2029.

Now, the Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shop in Somers Point is embracing that momentum with an exciting new shopping experience designed to make thrifting even more rewarding while supporting an important local cause.

The announcement comes at a time when many nonprofit thrift stores are facing increasing financial pressures. Earlier this year, another longtime local thrift shop announced it would close its doors, highlighting the challenges many charitable retailers face despite growing consumer interest in secondhand shopping. At the Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shop, the team saw an opportunity to invest in the shopping experience by making the store more inviting, more affordable and more convenient for today's shoppers while continuing to support a cause that benefits the entire community.

Visitors to the Somers Point shop, located at 275 New Road in the Target shopping center in Somers Point, will discover lower prices throughout the store, a completely refreshed layout designed to make shopping easier, and a new Bargain Bin section featuring a wide variety of merchandise priced from just 50 cents to $3. The store is continually restocked with clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, home décor, furniture, books, toys, seasonal items and more, with new donations arriving every day. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, shoppers can often discover well-known brands, designer labels, vintage treasures and quality home furnishings at a fraction of retail prices.

Recognizing that many shoppers can't visit during the traditional workday, the Somers Point shop is launching Thrifting Thursdays beginning July 2. Starting that day, the store will be open until 6 p.m. every Thursday, giving shoppers an extra hour to browse after work. During the extended hour, from 5 to 6 p.m., customers will receive 25% off their purchases (some exclusions apply). Regular store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shops are also expanding their presence on social media to better connect with today's thrift shoppers. The Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shops' Facebook page and newly launched Instagram account will feature more frequent updates directly from the shop, showcasing new arrivals, designer finds, seasonal merchandise, one-of-a-kind treasures and special promotions. With fresh donations arriving every day, followers can get a first look at what's new before they visit.

"Our goal is simple: create a thrift store people love coming back to," said Lisa DiTroia, Director of the Auxiliary of Shore Medical Center. "We've listened to our shoppers and made meaningful improvements throughout the store. Whether you're searching for designer brands, everyday clothing, home décor, furniture or that one-of-a-kind vintage find, there's always something new waiting to be discovered. And now, through our Facebook and Instagram pages, we can share those exciting finds with shoppers."

Unlike many larger thrift stores, every purchase at the Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shops has a direct, local impact beyond the checkout counter.

Operated by the Auxiliary of Shore Medical Center, proceeds from the thrift shops help fund hospital equipment, patient programs and services that directly benefit the local community. For more than 85 years, the Auxiliary has supported Shore Medical Center, a nonprofit community hospital, through volunteer service and fundraising, helping ensure patients and families have access to exceptional healthcare close to home.

"When you shop or donate with us, you're doing more than finding a great deal or clearing out a closet," DiTroia said. "You're helping strengthen healthcare right here at Shore. Every dollar raised stays in our community and helps Shore Medical Center continue investing in the people, technology and programs our patients rely on every day."

Community members are encouraged to donate gently used clothing, accessories, jewelry, furniture, artwork, housewares, books and other quality items. Donations help keep the shops filled with fresh merchandise while supporting one of the Auxiliary's most important fundraising efforts.

While the Somers Point location is the focus of these new shopping enhancements, shoppers will also find lower prices and an ever-changing selection of quality donated merchandise at the Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shop in Marmora.

Store Information

Somers Point (Flagship Location)
275 New Road (Route 9, Target Plaza)
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thrifting Thursdays (Beginning July 2): Open until 6 p.m. every Thursday, with 25% off purchases from 5-6 p.m. (some exclusions apply)

Marmora
232 South Shore Road (South Shore Plaza)
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information about shopping, donating or volunteering, visit https://www.shoremedicalcenter.org/give-to-shore/auxiliary/thrift-shops. Follow the Shore Auxiliary Thrift Shops on Facebook and Instagram (@shoreauxiliarythriftshops) for the latest arrivals, unique finds, special promotions and a behind-the-scenes look at what's new in the store.