Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Schuette.
Hi Paige, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The VINE Home Thrift Store was recently named the 2nd Best Thrift Store and Furniture Store in Mankato. The thrift store offers more than just beautiful, gently used furniture and home goods. This is a vibrant community store, where generosity and connection create impact. Every item on display, from vintage lamps to modern sofas, is donated by neighbors who believe in giving back. Each purchase directly supports VINE’s mission of redefining aging and promoting the wellbeing of aging adults through programming, services and community engagement. This unique model means that the store’s success is measured not just in sales, but in the difference it makes for individuals in and around Mankato.
Founded in 2009 as part of VINE Faith in Action, the thrift store began as a way to bring needed funding into the organization and to help sustain its outreach. Over the years, the store has grown into a beloved destination, known for its attractively arranged, ever-changing selection of home goods, furniture, appliances, art and more.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of 8 employees and 22 volunteers keep the store running smoothly. Volunteers play an integral role in daily operations, assisting with everything from preparing donations to helping with pickups. Their commitment, combined with the expertise of staff, ensures a welcoming atmosphere and a seamless shopping experience.
Unlike other thrift stores, VINE’s specializes in home goods and furniture and does not accept clothing. This focus allows the store to offer a curated selection of quality items, from kitchen essentials and framed art to unique collectibles and outdoor furniture, all at affordable prices.
Thrift store shopping is more than just a smart way to save money, it’s a sustainable and exciting way to shop. Choosing gently used items helps reduce waste and gives new life to quality goods, while the ever-changing inventory means there’s always a new treasure waiting to be discovered. Thrifting is no longer just a budget-friendly option, it can be a choice that reflects a commitment to reuse while supporting a local cause.
Support from the community is more important than ever. With grants being trimmed for many of VINE’s programs, donations and purchases from the thrift store are essential to sustaining services for aging adults in the region. Shopping or donating at VINE is more than a transaction, it’s an investment in a stronger community.
The impact of the thrift store ripples far beyond financial support. When you’re cleaning out your closets, searching for a new dining table or looking for a meaningful way to volunteer, the VINE Home Thrift Store welcomes you. For volunteers, it’s a place to connect, learn new skills and find purpose. For shoppers, it’s an affordable way to furnish a home and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. And for donors, it’s an opportunity to pass along items they no longer need, knowing they’ll find new life and value in someone else’s hands.
The VINE Home Thrift Store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, with donations accepted until 5:30 pm each day. Located at 77 Star Street in Mankato, the store welcomes furniture and household items in good condition from non-smoking homes. For those with larger items to donate, pickup services are available by calling (507) 387-2699.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In 2020, when COVID closed many businesses and organizations for several months, we took that opportunity to do a deep clean in our building. We also began selling items online with curbside pick up, which we continue doing now.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I grew up in a small community and moved to Mankato to attend college at MSU-Mankato and graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and an emphasis in Public Relations. I started working at VINE in 2016. The organization had never had a marketing staff person before, so there was a lot of work that needed to be done for the whole organization.
In 2023, we refreshed our thrift store’s logo to give it a clean, classic new look. The redesign was a fun and collaborative process with marketing students from MSU–Mankato and Gustavus Adolphus College, who conducted in-depth research on our store, our competition, and opportunities for growth. We’re now gradually putting many of their great ideas into action and it’s been fun to watch the improvements.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
We are truly fortunate to live and work in such a supportive community. Whenever a challenge arises, our neighbors step up without hesitation. We’re grateful for the many generous volunteers and donors whose kindness and commitment keep us going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vinevolunteers.org/thrift-store/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/38898562/vine-home-thrift-store/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VINEHomeThriftStore
