For those interested in top-quality thrifted items at low prices, The Nearly New Thrift Shop located on Delaware Avenue in Palmerton is the place to go.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shop temporarily shut down back in March, but reopened on July 21.

Currently, the hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and they are only accepting bagged donations brought into the shop during these hours.

The shop has been in operation for 55 years and is completely volunteer based through the St. Luke’s volunteer system. All of the money made from the shop is indirectly turned in to the St. Luke’s organization as well.

The shop manager, Karen Kaiser, has been volunteering there for 17 years and managing for 16 years.

After her retirement, she wanted to give back to her community which she had lived in for 25 years. She has been volunteering at Nearly New Thrift Shop ever since.

The shop accepts gently used clean clothing for men, women and children in a variety of sizes as well as shoes, purses, jewelry and small housewares. Donations are tagged and quarantined for 4-5 days before being sold to the public to ensure a safe shopping experience during the pandemic.

All items are sold for incredibly low prices and are always ensured to be in good condition beforehand.

Kaiser said the pricing and quality of the items in the shop is very affordable.

“Children’s clothing is $1 each, men’s and women’s short sleeve shirts are $2, long sleeve shirts are $2.50, slacks are $3 for men and women, and jackets are $4,” she said. “I think the most expensive thing in the store is a long dress which is $5. It’s not high price clothing, and when you buy two items you get one free no matter what you buy. We only accept the donations that look good and aren’t stained, ripped or torn.”

Kaiser happily expressed her gratitude to be open once again saying, “We’re just glad to be back and we’re glad to have the store open and see people come in again.

“It’s just a great little shop and yes, things have changed like how we can’t have the candy bowl out or the magazines, but we’ve got great clothing and great household items. We’re all just happy to be open again and be back on schedule”

Those interested in donating can bring bagged items in good condition to the store during hours of operation.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to call the Nearly New Thrift Shop at 610-826-4226 to learn more about the volunteer process.