OLOL thrift shop sells good stuff at good prices

Our Lady of Light Catholic Community Thrift Shop is the perfect place to find good products at great prices.

At least that’s what their flyer says and regular customers seem to agree.

“We offer what others don’t. The quality of the goods and merchandise and the prices of our store set us apart,” said volunteer Edyie Flaherty, of Estero. She has been with the store since it opened two years ago. “All our volunteers try to make it as good looking as possible and people like that.”

Pleasing the customer is a top priority of the thrift shop that benefits the Our Lady of Light Catholic Church and depends on the community to keep the store stocked.

“Everything we have is donated and our quality of products are very nice and we have been fortunate,” said Denise Fraser, the store manager. She has been with the store since it’s inception and works to make sure customers get the products they need.

The store sells everything from fine collectibles and furniture to kitchen items and sporting goods.

“We get clothes that still has tags on them. Here you get high quality products and you are buying them at thrift shop prices,” Fraser said.

And to make sure customers always find a great deal, Fraser offers three types of sales that have become increasingly popular.

“We get a lot of clothes so we have customer appreciation day at the end of the months on a rotating basis,” said Fraser, who also offers a week of “draw your discount” day in which customers pick tickets out of a hat for discounts. “We have great items and we have items for everyone. Whether college student setting up a dorm or (snow birds) decorating their second home.”

Fraser also allows customers to fill a large bag with clothes for $5 every third full weekend of the month.

In order to get the word out the thrift shop advertises in local publications in the area but word of mouth seems to bring most customers in to the store that sits just off Old 41 in Bonita Springs.

“We have good customer turnover in season and people like to see different things every week,” said Flaherty, who volunteers because she feels fulfilled by giving back to the community.

Any items donated to the store are tax deductible and all proceeds go to the church for the “development of the community,” said Fraser. “We have a lot of fun here and it’s a way to give back to the community.”