The Junior League of Long Island (JLLI), a 501 (c) (3) non-profit women’s volunteer organization, announces their beloved Thrift Shop is nominated for a 2023 Best of Long Island award in the Best Thrift/Consignment Store category. As the longest operating non-profit store nominated in the category, the JLLI Thrift Shop hopes its rich history, treasured inventory and give-back-to-the-community mission encourage all to vote for them daily through December 15th at bestoflongisland.com.
It is truly an honor to be recognized, especially given this distinction is voted upon by LI residents and patrons. A 2023 Award win would be extra meaningful as the Thrift Shop underwent massive emergency renovations over the past year due to severe storm damage; yet reopened in April with a completely revitalized store. The public welcomed back the iconic thrift shop with record breaking sales and will now, hopefully, help it officially be recognized as the Best of Long Island.
While the redesigned space may often be mistaken for one of LI’s trendiest luxury boutiques, it remains a donation-based Thrift Shop with all proceeds used to fund JLLI community service projects benefitting the women and children of Long Island. In fact, it is historically the non-profit organization’s largest annual fundraiser.
Since its establishment in 1951, originally named the "Junior League Exchange,” it has become a well-known retail treasure often stocking vintage finds. Not only does the Thrift Shop have a large selection of clothing, shoes and accessories, its home goods and art sections are constantly filled with amazing finds. The JLLI Thrift Shop truly is for everyone. You can outfit the entire family with everything from designer labels and formalwear to athleisure and outerwear, try it on for size in the fitting rooms, then accessorize with hats, purses and jewelry – all on the first floor alone. With new items out daily, the amazing volunteers and staff are continually rotating new merchandise to highlight seasonal items and special promotions.
JLLI is extremely grateful to receive almost 500 bags/boxes of donations every month. The Thrift Shop’s success hinges on these generous public donations (some even brand new with tags!) While most donations are typically individuals looking to make space in cramped closet or give items a second life away from the crowded landfills, the JLLI also has established relationships with local retailers looking to rid their stockrooms of excess. Anything collected that cannot be utilized at the store is redistributed to three other Long Island charities based on their needs. Often times, once learning about the store’s non-profit mission, the donors turn into customers and vice versa making this a truly vibrant community.
“A huge thank you goes out to all of our store’s patrons, amazing staff and dedicated volunteers!” shares JLLI President Cristine Bruno. “Many of our customers having been shopping with us and dropping off donations for over 20 years, I myself have been shopping in the store for over 40 years which just goes to show what an institution the Thrift Shop is in our community. We are proud that anyone who walks through our doors not only finds amazing deals and quality items, but can rest assured that their purchase helps facilitate our projects in the Long Island communities we service in Nassau and Suffolk counties.”
Don’t just take their word for it. Here are some recent customer reviews:
“Great finds, designer shoes, lots of goodies. I scored new designer shoes, blouses, housewares and jewelry. Great collection of LPs too. Silk ties for a steal. The store looks beautiful now that they've rebuilt it since the flood. Salespeople are very helpful and sweet. Love coming here!” – Estela D. via Yelp
“Clean, fun shop with great products and friendly staff! The windows are always amazing! A great place to pick up clothes, books, home furnishings and especially baby / kids clothing and toys at very low prices for great quality. The JLLI is fortunate to get terrific donations from local residents and businesses and they do an excellent job of merchandising and pricing everything to sell. Stop in every week to see the latest items!” – Shana R. via Google Reviews
“I am so happy I decided to stop in to Junior League for the first time this afternoon. Everything in the store is neat, clean and organized. They also have a big selection of excellent name brand clothing and shoes for amazing prices. Everyone working was helpful and friendly. I will definitely be coming back here weekly to shop!!” – Danielle V. via Google Reviews
Long Islanders love to both shop at and donate to the JLLI Thrift Shop because they know it is all for a good cause. Plus, you never know what unique treasure you will find inside the historic building nestled in downtown – just ask about the vintage Louis Vuitton travel case or the infamous buffalo head!
Vote for The Junior League of Long Island for Best Thrift/Consignment Store every day until December 15th at Best of Long Island Voting - JLLI Thrift Shop
Stay up to date on all the latest inventory and promotions by following @juniorleaguelithriftshop on Instagram and Facebook. The Junior League of Long Island Thrift Shop is a proud member of The Roslyn Chamber of Commerce, The Roslyn Historical Society and The Roslyn Landmark Society.
About the Junior League of Long Island® The Junior League of Long Island is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Tracing its origins to 1951, the Junior League of Long Island has nearly 200 members in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Headquartered in the Village of Roslyn, the Junior League of Long Island is affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues International® an organization of 293 Leagues throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and England. The Junior League of Long Island is designated as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.