Exploring Life & Business with Erin Reuter of Amelia’s Vintage and Thrift

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Reuter

Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I studied fashion in school and had most recently been working as a costumer for a local theater group. My love of vintage clothing and costumes had me thinking about opening a vintage clothing store.
A large thrift store in town was up for sale and my focus changed. I knew there would be a chance to highlight the vintage clothing and items that I loved so much while also using my merchandising skills to update the store and work on displays (another of my loves)

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have worked a LOT of retail in my life. I’ve been management multiple times. I’ve worked in a finance department. I have a pretty good background for someone that wants to own their own business.
However….the hours of a small business owner are extensive and exhausting. The accounting/bookkeeping/tax work makes even the smartest person question their intelligence!
Finding and keeping good employees can be challenging.

We’ve been impressed with Amelia’s Vintage and Thrift , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a for profit, donation based thrift store. Though we are technically ‘for profit’ we try to donate to local causes as much as possible. We help local schools, teams, churches. We donate blankets, sheets, towels to the APL and animal warden. Clothing that we cannot sell is picked up and sent to third world countries.
We take pride in the fact that our store is very organized. Which is sometimes a challenge given the great diversity of items we receive .
We want things to be the best quality possible and easy to shop.
We love to give ideas for using items through our merchandise displays and artistic store decor

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I read a lot….but not necessarily for self improvement. More for my own sanity when my brain won’t stop thinking about work!!
I belong to many Facebook groups for store owners, thrifters, and resellers. It really helps to get answers to questions and see how others deal with problems. Also to know about trends and popular items fir resellers

Contact Info:

• Website: http://ameliasvintage.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliasvintageandthrift