January 2, 2018
For Immediate Release
Park County nonprofit thrift store has multi-million dollar economic impact
Livingston, MT. According to a recent report from the Rocky Mountain Economic Development District, the Community Closet of Park County, Montana has generated more than $5.5 million in economic development and produced nearly $670,000 in tax revenues since its opening in October of 2005.
The Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District is a not-for-profit organization that supports economic development in Park and Gallatin Counties through the provision of business support services and strategic cooperation among private, public and governmental stakeholders. This study was funded with assistance by NorthWestern Energy.
A large percentage of the Community Closet stores’ economic benefits, almost $4 million, were retained in the local Park County area. Founder and CEO Caron Cooper, a former engineer with a PhD from Berkeley in Energy and Resources says, “Most people don’t realize the significant role nonprofits can play in a region’s economy – or that nonprofits contribute to the tax base with fees and payroll taxes – in addition to serving the people of our community in multiple ways.”
According to Cooper, “our start-up was a reaction to other nonprofit thrift stores failing in our market – first the Salvation Army, and then the American Red Cross. They failed because they didn’t modernize their model or understand their customers, and their hands were tied by their corporate missions.” Conversely, the Rocky Mountain Economic Development District report states, “the Community Closet is seeking to redefine the business model for both pollution prevention and philanthropic second-hand sales.”
“We started with a mere $12,000 in donated startup funds,” says Cooper, “and are so gratified by community support of our innovative and expanding enterprises. We have been able to provide a massive return on investment in a little more than a decade and grateful for the opportunity to build on our model and continue to expand our impact in years to come.” Another innovation in this business model has been to segment the market. The organization’s growing resale enterprises now include the Curated Closet, a downtown boutique selling high-end and vintage goods, the Alley Annex offering overflow goods on weekends for $1 or less, and the traveling ‘Food Truck of Fashion’ delivering retro styles to a younger demographic at music festivals.
Cumulative giving over twelve years of operation has been $400,000 in cash grants and tens of thousands of dollars in store merchandise to a widespread group of nonprofits, civic activities, and individuals in need. “This is an amazing number, considering we are operating in a town of 7,000,” said Cooper.
Community Closet also creates community; they’ve been supported by more than 3,000 volunteer hours and are sensitive to creating an environment free from the traditional thrift store stigma and establishing a culture of community engagement. Community Closet Thrift Store offers a no-cost, welcoming, accepting and neutral environment where people can go any day of the week for as much, or as little, socialization as they desire. Customers are never pressured to buy anything, and they are included in spontaneous celebrations and sales.
Learn more about the Community Closet’s mission, three stores, donation guidelines, and grant funding at https://www.communitycloset.org/