a new way to thrift shop

By Lily Mauricio - Staff Writer

With the closing of many businesses due to COVID-19, many local shops are having to get creative in order to serve their customers.


A local Shawnee business, The25 Thrift, is doing just that.


The25 Thrift is a curated vintage resale boutique in Downton Shawnee. 


Abigail Sullivan, the owner of this small local shop, is originally from the Shawnee area herself. 


“I was born and raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and owning a business in downtown has always been a dream of mine,” Sullivan said. “I’ve had a love for old/vintage things and the styles for as long as I can remember; it’s amazing that I get to be part of downtown Shawnee with something I love.”


They have both men and women’s clothing and also a large selection of other vintage items, including records, jewelry, purses, shoes and more. 


Before becoming a brick and mortar store, The25 appeared at pop-up shops in downtown Shawnee. 


“After only two pop-ups, I was given the opportunity to open a storefront and I officially opened March 13,” Sullivan said. 


While trying to accommodate the CDC guidelines, The25 Thrift has decided to implement private shopping appointments so that they can serve their customers in a safe environment. 


“As disappointing as it was to have to close the doors after just opening, we were able to offer our clients the private shopping appointments in-store,” Sullivan said.


These private shopping appointments include 30 minutes for a customer and one guest to come into the store and browse through their selection. 


The shop is thoroughly sanitized and cleaned after each guest to make sure they come into a clean and germ-free environment.


The25 Thrift is a small and relatively new business, so having an online shop during these times has been difficult for them.


“I’ve been using Depop, an online service, for several months now just to get me started, my online store is currently closed because shipping costs have increased significantly during this time,” said Sullivan. 


As small businesses are struggling all across the country, this business found a way to give clients a safe environment while still allowing them to shop for their favorite vintage attire. 
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“I am thankful that I’ve been able to give people something fun and enjoyable to do other than grocery shopping during this time,” Sullivan said.