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Armour Community Exchange Fills Need in Community

Armour's Main Street has been missing a clothing store for many years. That era ended recently when the Armour Community Exchange opened its doors with a twist on the traditional retail model. The Exchange is a thrift shop and its clothing selection is composed of gently used, donated items. In lieu of payment, customers may make a free-will donation for items they take.

"There are so many nice used and some new clothing items to choose from," said Nicole Neugebauer, who has helped coordinate the Armour Community Exchange operation.

Several volunteers participated in renovating Larry Wold's former Tale for Tails taxidermy location into the Community Exchange including Heather Messer, Danielle Hagge, Dave Majerus, Darold Werkmeister, Dana Krull, Paul Putnam, Sandy Vogt and others including Paige and Hope Neugebauer.

The Exchange will have flexible hours with a volunteer providing staff to assist customers. Hours are posted on the door. The Exchange is open before the movie at the Lorain Theatre on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A downturn in the American economy has generated an increased need for used clothing and thrift shops. A recent New York Times report indicates that national thrift stores have seen a spike in business. Sales for the Salvation Army have increased 5 to 15 percent at stores around the country, while Goodwill Industries International reports an increase in sales of more than 6 percent. At the same time, both of those organizations have seen a decrease in donated items.

In Armour, donations have been strong so far. Volunteers have selected the best fall and winter items for the current inventory, but merchandise remains in reserve for upcoming seasons.

"We are still accepting clothing items and we hope to get more school-age winter coats and boots to have available," Neugebauer said.

The Community Exchange is another of the projects Armour has recently completed as a Horizons Community. Horizons is a grant program funded by the Northeast Area Foundation and managed by the South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Program. Its aim is to reduce poverty and assist low income residents.