Trendy, thrifty and with a conscience: New shop aims to help at-risk youth

A new thrift store on Duckworth Street in downtown St. John's is hoping to do much more than just sell new-to-you clothes.

Your Turn Boutique isa project of Choices For Youth, a non-profitorganization that helps homeless young people with employment training.

Come in, buy some great pieces, look around, and see the impact it's having.- Angela Picco

"We are always looking for new and innovativeways to give employment opportunities to at-risk young people," said stafferAngelaPicco.

"We always strive to give young people opportunities for employment, education and housing,"Piccosaid.

Coworker Greg Quinn said the store relies on public donations of clothing and other items, and has formed partnerships with local consignment stores.

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Quinn says the store islooking for 10 young people who want to change their lives, and take part in a 10-week training program.

"It will be two weeks of a retail skill development, and then eight weeks of working in the storeworking with customers, doing laundry, folding, sorting items, and developing some employment skills,so they can go out and work in the retail environment," said Quinn.

"It doesn't matter what their background is, as long as they have an interest in retail skills."

Choices For Youth defines "young" fairly broadly, as the program is looking for people from16 to 29.

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The store, located at 261 Duckworth St., is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 4p.m.

"We accept fashionable donations, your used items," said Quinn. "We will take everything, and launder it.".

The store currently offerssome high-end dresses, Hunter bootsand much more, including expensive jeansthat still have the original tags on them.

The Your Turn Boutique is part of a larger trend in the province, with charities opening up thrift stores.

"Social enterprises like these are a great way for the community to be engaged, but also to give back," said Picco.

"So come in, buy some great pieces, look around, and see the impact it's having on the young people in our province."