LIU students team with Huntington thrift shop

Students from Long Island University’s Fashion Merchandising and Management program have volunteered to help boost sales at Huntington’s Community Thrift Shop, which benefits a worthy cause.

The creative venture includes working on signage, messaging, photography and social media to broaden the customer base and stimulate purchases at the shop at 345 Main St., where net sales directly benefit the Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk.

LIU students with a keen eye for desirable vintage fashion will price, display and sell clothing and accessories from the thrift shop at The Student Body Boutique at their Brookville campus at 720 Northern Blvd. LIU’s share of proceeds from these sales will go towards scholarships for fashion merchandising students.

By showcasing the Community Thrift Shop items, they have an opportunity to promote sustainability while adding vintage flair to the boutique’s selection.

The Community Thrift Shop was founded in 1965 as a cooperative effort by local nonprofit organizations who serve those in need. 

Cherie Serota, director of LIU’s Fashion Merchandising and Management program said an advantageous aspect of the partnership is that it promotes circularity and sustainability in fashion.

“Thrifting reduces impact on the environment by upcycling and reusing clothing,” Serota said in a written statement. “At the same time, it enables a larger population to access luxury brands. Our students not only use their merchandising and visual display skills, but also their buying expertise to identify merchandise that they can then offer at the Vintage Corner in our very own Student Body Boutique at affordable prices. It’s a win-win.”