What does it mean to HBTB’s Hodgepodge team in San Rafael to receive the Marin IJ Reader’s Choice Award for Best Gift Shop? Without hesitation Jacquie Whitfield, Retail Operations Manager, affirms, “I think they nailed it – because we are the best!”
Jacquie, her staff, and Hodgepodge’s volunteers are passionate about both of their shops (San Rafael and Novato), from the front windows to the back walls. They curate every inch of available space with creative displays, a desire to “wow” customers, and the best pricing in town. Merchandise updates daily, and items that haven’t sold after two months receive a deep discount.
“Hodgepodge is special because it’s the only full-service thrift store in San Rafael. We sell furniture, kitchenware, small appliances, jewelry, linens and accessories in addition to clothing. Clothing is the #1 seller, but the other items make us unique. Our competitors no longer accept furniture so we receive really nice items and can be selective about what we sell.” Much of the merchandise is donated by family members of hospice patients who are grateful for the care their loved ones received.
This Reader’s Choice award follows a year of solid commitment from Jacquie and her team to upgrade store presentations, offer seasonal sales, and adjust prices to be more competitive. Their efforts are paying off. Not only has the customer base grown to include Millenials, young families, and collectible dealers, but in 2019 combined revenue for the two stores was $740,000. That’s nearly three-quarters of a million dollars from two small-but-feisty thrift shops whose proceeds support HBTB’s programs.
Jacquie’s customers love the rotating merchandise and amazing bargains, but they most appreciate the charming staff and volunteers. “Our team is amazing, from super-creative window designers, to volunteer merchandisers, to store managers who know customers by name and constantly arrange merchandise for maximum appeal. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and proud that our efforts support Hospice by the Bay.”
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, both Hodgepodge stores are closed temporarily but Jacquie is anxious to re-open. “If our customers are at home purging closets like I am right now, we’ll have a TON of new merchandise. With so many people out of work and potentially short on cash, our pricing will be advantageous. We look forward to seeing our customers and providing affordable items of comfort and beauty when all of this is over.”
Congratulations to Jacquie and the Hodgepodge team for representing HBTB so well in the Marin community!! When Hodgepodge stores re-open (we’ll let you know!), please stop in to high-five the staff and volunteers, and snag a few treasures! Show your HBTB name badge for a 10% discount any time! Every Tuesday, seniors age 55+ receive a 10% discount all day (discounts cannot be combined).
Save the date! The next HBTB Employee Rack Sale is Wednesday, June 24, 2020 in the Larkspur office – clothing and accessories galore at bargain prices!
Hospice Hodgepodge
910 Lincoln Avenue, San Rafael
(415) 459.4686
Mon.–Sat., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.*
Hospice Hodgepodge II
910 Grant Ave, Novato
(415) 893.9036
Mon.–Sat., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.*
*Shops are temporarily closed, due to COVID-19/Marin shelter-in-place.