Environmental nonprofit Big Reuse is set to open a new thrift store in a 5,000-square-foot space located at 378 Troutman St. in Bushwick, Brooklyn. This store will offer a wide range of home goods and clothing, including books, dishes, and glasses. The anticipated opening is scheduled for mid-December 2023.
Executive Director Justin Green emphasized the nonprofit’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “We take in a lot more stuff and a greater variety of stuff than most thrift stores do.” The existing Gowanus location has seen a significant increase in customer interest, prompting the expansion to Bushwick. Green noted, “There seems to be a real surge of interest in thrifting and reusing stuff, and it felt like we have the momentum to keep going forward.”
Strategically Located in a Thriving Community
The decision to establish a store in Bushwick aligns with Big Reuse’s ongoing projects in the neighborhood. Green highlighted the area’s reputation as a hub for thrifting, saying, “There’s so much going in that neighborhood, and lots of thrift stores already. We think it’s a destination for thrift stores, and we just wanted to be part of that.”
Renovations for the new store are being conducted with an emphasis on sustainability. The team plans to construct shelves from reclaimed scaffolding lumber, further supporting their mission to promote environmental responsibility. The building, which dates back to the 1950s, previously operated as a factory and has been reimagined to serve as a community hub for sustainable shopping.
Community Engagement and Environmental Impact
While the Bushwick store will focus on smaller items, the Gowanus location will continue to offer a full range of products, including furniture and building salvage. This includes materials that are particularly appealing to DIY enthusiasts and renovators, such as antique doors and vintage stoves.
Big Reuse has already made significant contributions to the local community through various projects, including tree care and composting efforts in collaboration with the Clean Bushwick Initiative and local City Council members Sandy Nurse and Jennifer Gutiérrez. These initiatives reflect the organization’s broader goal of addressing climate change by keeping usable materials out of landfills.
In a recent newsletter, Big Reuse expressed enthusiasm about extending its resources to a new neighborhood, stating, “The team at our Gowanus location has been able to do incredible work keeping materials out of the landfill, and we’re looking forward to bringing this resource to a new neighborhood.”
As the opening date approaches, interest in the new thrift store continues to grow, underscoring a community commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption.
