Thanks to the generosity of a new member of the Andover Service Club (ASC) who prefers to remain anonymous and the skillful work of Advantage Sign in Concord, the Andover Thrift & Gift Shop has a new, brightly colored sign at the corner of Route 11 and School Street, pointing the way to a shop that has been part of the Andover community for over three decades.
Back in the early 1990’s members of the ASC developed a plan to open a volunteer-run community thrift shop offering new and next-to-new clothing for the whole family. Originally, the Andover Thrift Shop was housed in the space upstairs from Stetson’s General Store, the current location of Ragged Mountain Physical Therapy. Some years later the Andover School District generously donated a small building to the ASC for the shop, and with many donations of building materials and countless hours of volunteer labor from community members, the Andover Thrift Shop became a standalone business at 26 School Street.
In early 2008 the ASC became a designated 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, making the shop a nonprofit business under the ASC. Throughout the years, the shop’s volunteer staff have made many changes to improve its contribution to the community.
Sales systems were computerized to allow a smooth process for consignors. Exterior and interior building improvements were made, and new product lines were introduced in response to customer requests. In 2019 space was made for local artisans to display and sell their items, allowing them a new avenue for growth, while also giving the public a gift shop right around the corner.
With this change, the shop was renamed the Andover Thrift & Gift Shop. And, just this year, the staff added housewares, garden, and craft items. The shop continues to offer carefully selected quality items at reasonable prices, but also runs regular sales for greater customer savings.
Stop by the shop during the months of June and July for the half-price clothing sale on men’s and women’s clothing. Kids’ clothing is always just $1! You’ll go “gaga” over the addition of Carter’s newborn-to-24 months boy’s and girl’s items.
Support your local artisans with a gift from one of our many vendors. Award-winning artist Susan Monty has a beautiful collection of original art, cards, and gifts on display, featuring landscapes, animals, and nature. Sunapee-based Creations by Cheryl offers gift-boxed jewelry, paracord bracelets, wreaths, and hand-carved walking sticks.
Local gardener Anne Hewitt is offering decorative jars of homegrown dried herbs in many varieties, including oregano, lemon thyme, and mixed herbs, right in time for preparing BBQ marinades and rubs. Help save the environment by switching from single-use water bottles to a custom-designed, reusable drink tumbler from veteran-owned For the Love of Crafts. Additionally, Cardigan Mountain all-natural soaps, lotions, sprays, insect repellents, and gift sets are always in stock at the Andover Thrift & Gift Shop.
The ASC thanks all those who have supported the shop throughout the years with donations and volunteer efforts that have allowed the nonprofit business to carry forward the original plan designed by the ASC members back in the early ‘90s: to provide a valuable service to Andover and surrounding communities. Proceeds from the Andover Thrift & Gift Shop are used to fund local scholarships and many of the club’s charitable projects. The shop also supports local clothing drives and Wish List NH.
Follow the arrows on the sign at the corner of School Street and Route 11 to the Andover Thrift & Gift Shop, next to the Andover Elementary/Middle School and behind the Town Hall and Library. Hours of operation: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM.
Consignments and donations of clean, in-season clothing are accepted during business hours only. We do not accept footwear or housewares at this time. Thank you for your support.