Thrifting on Cecil B. Moore 1/3

A daisy crop-top made in 1995. Price $3

Amongst the once lived-in buildings along Cecil B. Moore on the West side of Broad Street, is a special store that sells once lived-in items. In a time where small businesses sink at an alarming rate, two Philadelphia local ladies, the Gnokas, beat the odds selling an eclectic mix of used shirts from the 90's, out-grown shoes, sidewalk furniture and much more at their own second-hand shop, or thrift store.

Three years ago Meredith Gnoka and her mother Judith, decided to turn one of the abandoned apartment buildings down the high traffic street of Cecil B. Moore and 17^th into their own second-hand shop, or thrift store.

In 2009, many Temple students were beginning to expand their living reach west of Broad Street, making the walking traffic in front of the Gnoka ladies’ store more viable. They were both savvy and altruistic business ladies, well aware that the neighborhood they were in was a perfect thrift store clientele. College students and North Philadelphia residents alike are trying to save their money, and generally it is not indispensable on clothing, thus a thrift store being their perfect option.

The Thrift Store on Cecil, as named by Meredith Gnoka, has become an ever growing business. Earlier in April on a sunny day, the shop was absolutely packed with people trying to find good deals on second hand summer clothes.

“We have had so many generous donations this year” said Meredith Gnoka, who usually handles the pricing of the items. “Just this week we got in some designer sun-dresses and bags that we can sell at consignment shop prices. We also were given this bin of t-shirts which is nearly gone now, everybody wants the dollar T’s!”

Along with the items on the shelves, the store has undergone improvement. A new sign was pasted on the wall last year and the awareness of the store has strengthened.

“So many regulator donators are what keeps us up and running” said Judith Gnoka. “They are wonderful members of the community and we are so thankful.”

As long as the community continues to come, give and shop at Thrift Store on Cecil, the Gnoka ladies will be in good shape, providing us all with $2 dresses and $1 T’s.