Environmental nonprofit Big Reuse is set to open a new 5,000-square-foot thrift store at 378 Troutman St. in Bushwick, New York, focusing on home goods and clothing. The store aims to provide an extensive selection of items, including books, dishes, and glasses, contributing to the growing trend of sustainable shopping and reuse.
Executive Director Justin Green emphasized the nonprofit’s commitment to repurposing materials. “We take in a lot more stuff and a greater variety of stuff than most thrift stores do,” Green told Brooklyn Paper’s sister site, Brownstoner. He noted a noticeable surge in interest in thrifting, attributing it to a broader cultural shift towards sustainability. With the success of the Gowanus store, Big Reuse sees this new venture as a timely opportunity to expand its impact.
Strategic Location and Design
The decision to open in Bushwick aligns with the neighborhood’s reputation as a hub for thrifting, already home to numerous second-hand shops. Green stated, “There’s so much going 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 thrift store is currently under construction, utilizing salvage materials to fit the nonprofit’s ethos. Green highlighted that they are crafting shelves from reclaimed scaffolding lumber, reflecting their commitment to sustainability. The store is expected to open in mid-December 2023.
Originally built in the 1950s, the brick warehouse features 16-foot-high ceilings and metal roll-down gates. Historical records indicate it functioned as a box factory and tool manufacturing site, adding a layer of community history to the new venture.
Focus on Community and Sustainability
Though the new store will not carry furniture or large appliances—items typically found at the Gowanus location—it will focus on a diverse range of goods aimed at everyday consumers. The Gowanus store will continue to offer a wider selection, including items valuable to DIY enthusiasts, such as old-growth lumber and vintage stoves.
Big Reuse has already made significant contributions to the Bushwick community through initiatives like tree care and composting, often collaborating with local organizations such as the Clean Bushwick Initiative and City Council members Sandy Nurse and Jennifer Gutiérrez. Green remarked, “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 nonprofit’s mission focuses on combating climate change by promoting reuse and recycling, aiming to keep as many materials as possible from ending up in landfills. The upcoming store is not just an expansion of their operations but a continuation of their commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
With the new thrift store, Big Reuse hopes to foster a culture of sustainability in Bushwick while providing affordable options for residents seeking to reduce waste. The community can look forward to a unique shopping experience that aligns with their values of reusing and recycling.