Treasure hunters who relish in finding a great deal, take note.
A new thrift shop — Tammy's — is opening in South Porcupine at 61 Bruce Ave., where Jake's bar operated for decades.
Since mid-December, Tammy Durling has been sorting through the outpouring of donations from the community.
She's spent her days going through clothes, household items, books, and more, ahead of opening to the public on Saturday, Jan. 6. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only cash is being accepted for now.
Donations are not being accepted right now, but can be dropped off every day it's open starting on Monday, Jan. 8.
Thrifting has long been a passion for Durling.
"It's it is exactly what people say — it's a treasure hunt. You can go in a thrift store and find nothing and there's days you walk out like this (with arms loaded). I love thrift stores. You can browse and browse and browse and not spend much money or luck out and find something for three bucks that's worth $40," she said.
Local thrifters may recognize Durling from the Timmins and District Humane Society's store that was around the corner. It closed during COVID and the South Porcupine Food Bank occupies the space now.
She's been looking for the right space to open up a new shop for a while and recently strucj a deal to use part of the space at the former downtown watering hole.
The response from the community, she said, has been unbelievable.
Donations filled the space within hours of being open.
People have even donated racks and shelving. Every little bit helps to keep the costs down, she said.
While clothing is a big part of the store, it's a typical thrift store that offers anything and everything. If it can fit through the door, she'll take it.
"It's by no means a boutique of any style. That's what thrifting is," said.
"I'm very picky about what I put out. This section here is all new. It's got tags on it, you get a lot of new stuff."
There will be set prices for most items, but those with tags will likely cost a bit more. It's one way she can keep low prices on everything else.
"I do try. I don't I don't like high prices either. But people have to understand you do have to pay your overhead," she said.
The community is willing to donate more than items from their homes.
People have been calling to volunteer, she said. While she's explained that it's a for-profit shop now and not for charity, people are still wanting to help out.
"I've never experienced that before," said Durling.
"I think it's a casual atmosphere. People just like to chit-chat. I've mentioned that I put it on my (Facebook) page at one point that I don't feel like it's my store. I don't mean this in a bad way ... it's obviously a community store. Because I just can't believe it. I can't believe it."
A thrift shop is the type of store that evolves, she said. The items available each day will depend on the donations.
It will be open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday. It's closed on Sundays and Thursdays.
Keep in touch with the store's updates here.
