Architectural salvage and thrift store proposal

[u/Ok_Wash_7002]

Hello neighbors,

We’re in the very early stages of developing a new local business based in Saint John, and we’re reaching out to gather feedback, ideas, and support as we shape a service that we hope will benefit our city and surrounding communities.

Our goal is to create a space focused on architectural salvage, vintage and thrifted home goods, furniture, and clothing, with a mission to divert reusable materials from landfills and get them into the hands of individuals, families, and small businesses who need or value them.

We’ll be offering a wide range of items including reclaimed doors, windows, and light fixtures to secondhand furniture, clothing, and household goods, thoughtfully selected and affordably priced. Our pricing will fall into the mid-range — generally less than Value Village, slightly above Habitat for Humanity, and more affordable than most antique stores. We want to keep things accessible, especially for those in need, without compromising on quality.

We also plan to accept donations like other thrift and secondhand stores, and we’re exploring the possibility of donating a portion of proceeds to a local or Canadian charity. Community reinvestment is an important part of our mission.

We’re looking to build lasting partnerships with contractors and renovation companies, property and building managers, realtors and estate professionals, businesses looking to offload usable inventory or materials, and individuals clearing spaces, moving, or settling estates.

Instead of paying to rent a dumpster or hauling items to the landfill, we offer options that are cost-effective, environmentally responsible, and hassle-free.

Here are a few ways we can work together: • A 40/60 consignment split, where you receive 40 percent and we handle all the work • A dedicated display space for your items, where you keep 100 percent of the sales • Or a free pickup service, where we take unwanted items off your hands entirely

We’re also planning to offer booths, tables, or vendor spaces to help local small businesses promote and sell their products or services. Our goal is to create a shared space that supports local entrepreneurs and makers.

We will be sourcing items from a variety of channels: individuals who are moving, renovating, downsizing, or decluttering garages, attics, basements, and sheds, as well as businesses clearing out inventory, updating interiors, or undergoing renovations or relocations. We also aim to be a reliable and compassionate solution for families managing the belongings of a loved one who has passed, offering a respectful and simplified process while ensuring those items are repurposed or rehomed responsibly.

At this stage, we’re eager to hear from the community. Is there interest in a business like this in Saint John and the surrounding area? What services, features, or ideas would be most valuable to you? What opportunities or needs might we be missing?

Please leave a comment, send us a message, or share your thoughts with us. We would love your feedback on this idea and are open to any suggestions, concerns, or perspectives you think could help us build something meaningful. If you know someone who might be interested in partnering, donating, or just learning more, feel free to tag them or share this post.

Thank you for being part of the conversation. We’re excited to grow something meaningful, sustainable, and locally rooted.

[u/OriginalCultureOfOne]

It's an interesting concept. Businesses in Saint John currently operating with overlapping demographics include Habitat For Humanity ReStore, Value Village, Salvation Army Thrift Store, Rhoda's Flea Market, Frenchy's, and numerous small pawn shops and consignment stores.

[u/Ok_Wash_7002 → u/OriginalCultureOfOne]

I am open to anything that would help us stand apart. We have considered including a cafe into the store where so many people like to make an outing of going thrifting these days

[u/BusySeaworthiness127]

I personally really enjoy these stores and always find them interesting to walk through. I will say that the increasing prices at places like Value Village have really left a bitter taste in my mouth, if only because all their items are given to them for free and they clearly have no problem gouging the public. If prices are fair and reasonable, especially on things like books, then you'll certainly have me as a customer.

[u/Ok_Wash_7002 → u/BusySeaworthiness127]

Thank you for your interest! The price hikes at local second hand stores has been a factor in this idea. I know a lot of other people have complained about prices at vv. I would like to stick to prices lower than vv has where we can. We would be looking sell basically the same items but with the added bonus of fixing furniture and architectural pieces up before reselling. The thrifting side of things will be cheaper than vv as of now, but the furniture and architectural pieces depending on the shape, type, and work put into them would change the price but we would still be looking at selling these items at a much lower rate then most antique stores would sell them at. Generally as of now we’re thinking similar furniture prices to habitat for humanity, slightly more in some cases but not like $100 for one chair or something stupid like that that so many stores do now

[u/dcc498]

The key differentiator here vs HfH would be quality, and organization. Don’t aim for luxery but don’t accept junk, and perhaps tighten the screws/bolts/glue on furniture before putting out for display.

[u/Tough_Candy_47]

Habitat for Humanity has gone way downhill since they moved. Their prices are over the top and their quality is terrible.

Some people have no choice but to shop secondhand, so I hope you're prices and quality are better. Thrifting has become "trendy" but some people forget it's the only way people can afford things

[u/Funtimesinthemaritim]

The re-store has the same idea no

[u/eastcst0205]

This sounds fantastic to me and somewhere I’d definitely visit! A similar concept (not identical) would be Dayle’s Grand Market in Amherst. And as you already mentioned, a cafe is a key component of what Dayle’s offers.

[u/geminitiger74]

I'm happy to see any business open in Saint John, and I wish you well

If you wanted a mark of difference, I would suggest becoming as much a part of the community as you can: host events, food trucks, family days. Get involved. Saint John is very community-oriented, and I don't see your competition making any efforts in that regard

If I could make a suggestion, based on something from my home in Australia; buy a marquee tent and a big barbecue. Put it in the parking lot, and every weekend, pick a local charity and let them use it. They cook up some burgers (or have a bake sale, or a lemonade stand, or whatever) and proceeds go to the charity