Second Generation Thrift Shoppes/Project Empower

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Project Empower?

Project Empower is an effort to support our non-profit shelter by recycling community donations year round at Second Generation Thrift Shoppes in Greenland and Rochester. All shoppe proceeds serve as operating support for New Generation Shelter for homeless pregnant and parenting women, and Next Generation Infant & Toddler Center. The proceeds are reinvested to secure a stable, self-sufficient future for young women in crisis, and young families seeking affordable childcare in the Seacoast region.

The expansion of our business is an exciting step towards self-sustaining our organization. Contributions to this initiative are not simply donations to our efforts, but are investments that will yield significant, ongoing future returns.

How Can My Investment Help The Overall Community?

With the rapidly increasing cost of living affecting communities throughout New Hampshire’s seacoast, working families are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their standard of living. For many seacoast residents, household incomes are not keeping pace with the cost of living, and there is a growing need to cut back on spending wherever possible.

Your investment will ensure that we can continue running Second Generation Thrift Shoppes, recycling community donations of clothing, goods, and furniture in Greenland and Rochester, and continue to help homeless women with housing that is staffed 24/7, counseling, parenting education, life skills, budgeting and job skills, and transportation to partnering agencies in the seacoast.

At Second Generation, we resell quality kitchen supplies, household goods, clothing, books, toys, furniture and antiques at dramatically discounted prices. All donated items must meet strict quality standards in order to be sold at our thrift shoppes. With thorough screening, we maintain a clean, organized, enjoyable place to shop.

Is there any research to prove your strategy works?
Resale is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. Goodwill Industries generated $1.64 billion in retail sales from their 2,077 not-for-profit thrift stores across America in 2005. The total U.S. market for second-hand merchandise has more than doubled in the past ten years. According to consumer research firm America’s Research Group, approximately 16 - 18% of Americans will shop at a thrift store during a given year; 11.4% of Americans will shop in factory outlet malls, 19.6% in apparel stores and 21.3% in major department stores. The appeal of thrift shopping has expanded dramatically in recent years and continues to grow, as evidenced by the overwhelming popularity of online auction sites like eBay. As such, Second Generation Thrift Shoppes attract consumers from all economic levels.


Do you have a Competitive Advantage?
Second Generation Thrift Shoppes have two primary competitive advantages over other thrift stores and consignment shops. The first is our unique ability to maintain a sustainable supply of high quality items. As a not-for-profit organization, New Generation has developed community support from those who contribute regularly to the shelter. We provide the opportunity for people to make a significant contribution simply by donating surplus items that may otherwise be discarded. Our network of caring and committed individuals keeps our inventory full of high demand products. The supply is so strong that we maintain surplus inventory, which was part of the impetus to open a second location.

Second Generation Thrift Shoppes are inviting, fun and organized. As a customer, you won’t find yourself rifling through open bins or piles of unmarked clothing to find a diamond in the rough. Our store layouts are designed to promote a pleasant shopping experience. Our products are well organized and labeled to eliminate “search frustration”.

Do you have history of success? What do you see happening in the future?
Proceeds are increasing each year, as we continue to market our shoppes and spread the word!

 

Actual

 

 

Projected

 

 

July 04 - June 05

July 05 - June 06

July 06 - June 07

July 07-June 08

July 08 - June 09

Second Gen

 $       89,250

 $       94,007

 $     110,000

 $     110,000

 $     110,000

Second Gen II

 

 

 $       30,000

 $     70,000

 $     90,000

Total Revenue

 $       89,250

 $       94,007

 $     140,000

 $     180,000

 $     200,000

Total Expenses

 $       45,637

 $       44,097

 $       78,000

 $     110,000

 $     110,000

Net Income

 $       43,613

 $       49,910

 $       62,000

 $     70,000

 $     90,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

$500 Recycling Partner Sponsorship

·        Your banner with logo to be displayed for one month along Route 33, Greenland

·        Link on New Generation website: www.newgennh.com (currently being restructured). A Second Generation Thrift Shoppes website is now under construction!

·        Press release advertising sponsorship to 30 local media contacts

 

$250 Community Partner Sponsorship

·        Link on New Generation website: www.newgennh.com (currently being restructured)

·        Press release advertising sponsorship to 30 local media contacts

 

Investor Levels Also Available! All proceeds benefit New Generation, a not-for profit organization. New Generation shelters homeless pregnant and parenting women and their children and has been part of the seacoast’s Continuum of Care for 20 years. The shelter has a transitional apartment, childcare (open to the public) for 18 children, and two thrift shoppes in Greenland and Rochester.

 

Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day.

Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime.