Berkley's Council Thrift Store Has Charitable Mission

What sets Berkley’s apart is not only the quality of its merchandise, but also its mission.

Established by the Greater Detroit Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in 1934, the nonprofit shop has been fashionably outfitting Metro Detroiters for nearly 77 years. 

“We are based in the community. And we serve the community,” said manager Robert Lebow, who has more than 30 years of experience as a high-end, residential interior designer. “Here you get value, but you also get something more.”

Operating in two locations, Berkley and Royal Oak, all merchandise is acquired from donations, and all proceeds go to support charities in the community.

“We primarily fund the Kosher Meals on Wheels program.” said Lebow, a longtime Huntington Woods resident. “Last year, we provided over 40,000 meals to those in need.”

He said the Council Thrift store also contributes significant proceeds to Safe Place, a shelter that, in cooperation with Jewish Family Services, provides temporary housing for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

The store's dedication to the community goes further than just providing proceeds to charities. Recycling has recently become a focus.

“One hundred percent of what isn’t sold or doesn’t fit (to the store’s standards) is recycled,” Lebow said. “All textiles, glass, metal, wood and clothing that isn’t sold or can’t be used are recycled.”

Take a look around

A guided tour by the energetic and enthusiastic Lebow exemplified his knowledge and appreciation for the shop's wares. On one end of the space stood a floor lamp by designer Claudio Saloochi, Riflessione, that recently sold for $12,000, half of its estimated value. On the other end was a nearly new Brooks Brother’s dress shirt for $12 that retails at more than $80.

“Everything,” Lebow assured, “is thoroughly researched before it is priced for sale.” 

Racks of men’s and women’s fashions — including vintage and couture suits and dresses, as well as stylish, modern designer clothing and accessories — are neatly displayed. Home furnishings are arranged as if a dinner party might walk through the door at any moment. The space is creatively ordered and has the feel of a small-town department store.

Beyond the expensive designer clothing and furnishings, the Council Thrift store also features a clearance section offering customers quality clothing for $3 or less. On the children’s rack, most of the clothes are priced at $1. Likewise, an art room has framed prints — some of which retail at more than $300 — for $10.

Sale scheduled Feb. 23-25

The Council Thrift store is gearing up for one of its biannual sales as the spring/summer collection replaces the fall/winter merchandise. Customers will receive 75 percent off all purchases Feb. 23-25. The sale is followed by a $10-a-bag sale for the last three days of the month.

“It is not uncommon for 50 to 60 people to be waiting for the store to open,”  Lebow  said.

Value is an important component to the store’s success because, as Lebow stressed, “the store services an educated shopper.”

One such shopper, Susan Siegel of Oak Park, a regular at the store, gravitates there because it is “boutique and trendy” — words not commonly used to describe resale shops.

It is a definition that Lebow humbly credits to his customer-oriented, well-informed staff and the legion of volunteers and donors whose “generosity is what keeps us going.”

The Council Thrift store will be closed the first two weeks of March for remodeling. A grand reopening party will follow.