With less than two weeks to spare in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Chicken Alley Thrift Shop surpassed one million dollars in sales for the first time.
With less than two weeks to spare in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Chicken Alley Thrift Shop surpassed one million dollars in sales for the first time. The purveyor of used goods, from vintage fashions to chic furniture, hit the milestone after 60 years in the business of secondhand possessions.
All sales at the thrift shop benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
According to Barbara Bellissimo, vice president of development, marketing and communications at Community Services, Chicken Alley is one of the highest-grossing thrift shops per square foot in the country.
“This is the first year that we have hit a million dollars,” Ms. Bellissimo confirmed. “The staff and volunteers have done a fantastic job building the inventory and getting the word out on social media.”
All profits from the store support a wide range of programs at Community Servives, including disability, mental health and senior services. The nonprofit serves all residents of the Island, regardless of insurance status.
Oftentimes, Chicken Alley donates more than just their profits.
“Recently, [the store] helped us provide for a family who had just suffered from a house fire.” Ms. Bellissimo said. “The store donated clothing, furniture and kitchen appliances. Really anything the family needed.”
Chicken Alley occupied many spaces around the Island before landing on its current space at Lagoon Pond Road. Within walking distance from the center of Vineyard Haven, the store aims to serve year-rounders and tourists alike.
The store’s growth in the post-pandemic Island economy has been exponential, Ms. Bellissimo said, with lines often stretching down the street during peak season.
“Last fiscal year we hit $800,000 in sales. So to hit a million, that’s a massive increase in just one year,” she said.
Comments
Chicken alley should relocate
Phil Regan Oak BluffsChicken alley should relocate to the community services campus (repurpose one or more of the existing buildings) where they would have more room to spread out and take on an even larger more diverse inventory. Repurposing one or more of the existing buildings with a common sales courtyard could produce a flea market atmosphere that could be a weekend draw and more $ support for MVCS. Could also be a place of employment/volunteerism for many that gain support through Community Services. The current location has become too congested with drop offers and furniture in and at the roads edge.
My two cents.
Completely agree with this
Christine SengeCompletely agree with this suggestion!
I love the thrift but the
Gabrielle West TisburyI love the thrift but the prices are very high for many.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Barbara BellissimoThanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, we cannot operate a retail business on the main campus. We are constantly on the lookout for additional space, and will be making some changes in the next few months. Stay tuned!
Congrats from a satisfied
Shelley Christiansen Oak BluffsCongrats from a satisfied customer and supplier! With more space — and especially PARKING — you’ll surpass that million in no time. I know you’re noodling on it. TIA.
So proud of Jessica Tartell,
Liza Cowan May Vineyard HavenSo proud of Jessica Tartell, Director of Thrift Shop Operations, her amazing staff and fantastic volunteers who have gone above and beyond to serve our community!
With all due respect the
Tired of the traffic VHWith all due respect the management of the Thrift Shop and Community Services has snubbed their nose at the residents in this area. I want even call them neighbors because they've totally abused the privilege of that word. They don't care about the traffic / parking issue that is created, they don't care about the blocking of driveways, double parking where emergency vehicles can't get through the area without blaring their horns or sirens. the parking lot across the street is the town parking lot for the field and not for the abusive overflow of a retail shop. The tents outside have totally added to the blight in the neighborhood . It's an eyesore.
They should find space that accommodates their expansive needs and stop creating a nuisances to a residential neighborhood. We've heard it for years that they want to move. They've had opportunity but claim they can't afford it. With this 1 million dollar revenue stream which will only increase from here should be used to buy a new spot. Sell the old and return our neighborhood back to the peaceful way it was.
We certainly realize that we
Barbara BellissimoWe certainly realize that we have overstayed our welcome at our current location. Our staff and volunteers do their best every day to keep the street unclogged and our customers, donors and staff parking in appropriate locations. As I mentioned above, we are looking for additional space--and there will be more news about that in the coming weeks. Thanks so much for your patience.
Congratulations to Director
Marjorie Stone-Hampton Albany, NYCongratulations to Director Jessica Tartell and her team for this amazing accomplishment. I remember the thrift before she became manager and the vast improvement she has made is truly astounding. I have worked for 40 years as a national retail consultant and I know what kind of effort was required to get that little store where it is today. Bravo Ms. Tartell, this is a significant achievement.
Congratulations to the entire
Taylor Achin West TisburyCongratulations to the entire Thrift Shop team, an incredible milestone for both Chicken Alley and Martha's Vineyard Community Services. It really is the store that keeps on giving - great work, all!!
I agree that the massive
susan austin WEST TISBURYI agree that the massive improvements Jessica Tartell and her team have accomplished have made this possible!
Hooray for you all!
Susan Austin
Prices are higher, probably
Ken Edg.Prices are higher, probably accounts for the increase. Years ago they had special days for saving money on clothes, hardware, housewares,and electronics. It was more fun.
There are special days.
Leah VHThere are special days. Thrifty Thursdays. From 5-7pm every Thursday virtually everything is 20% off
Jessica Tartell is an “island
Jeffrey Kramer Los AngelesJessica Tartell is an “island treasure” and her indefatigable energy, talent and team building elevates the island and all of us!
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