A new thrift store in the Shops at Spartan Village, a short walk from UNCG’s main campus, is giving items left during UNC Greensboro’s student move-out a second life. Operated by Glenwood Together, Late Checkout Thrift offers affordable goods while supporting workforce development, waste reduction, and community programs in the Glenwood neighborhood. Customers can find clothing for adults and children, shoes, home goods, and accessories. Almost everything is less than $10.
“It’s been a long time since a thrift shop operated on campus,” says Dayna Carr, executive director of Glenwood Together, the nonprofit that runs the store. “Students are increasingly aware of the cons of fast fashion. Shopping thrifted items is a great way to both save money and resist harmful fashion practices.”
The store is rolling out the red carpet, literally. Its vintage hotel theme, pool tables, outdoor seating, and Littlefoot Matcha café invite students and community members to shop, sip, study, and spend time together. Located in The Shops at Spartan Village, the new thrift shop joins retailers such as Bestway grocery, Millennium Salon, Twisted Nailz, Happy Bowl, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Don Gala Pizzeria, offering students plenty of choices for food, groceries, and beauty care.
Student move-out donations find new life, supporting campus sustainability
Where does all the merchandise come from? Anyone can donate, but most of it comes directly from Spartans.
Each spring, as students pack up and move out of their dorms, they leave unwanted items with UNCG Facilities. Now, those items go to Late Checkout. Open year-round and located just beyond the Gate City Boulevard pedestrian tunnel, the store is a short walk from the main campus.
The low prices are only part of the value. By redirecting usable move-out items to Late Checkout, UNCG can extend the life of clothing and household goods that might otherwise enter the waste stream. Through the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, the University recycles an average of 200 tons annually with a landfill diversion rate of 37%.
UNCG alumni expertise engaged to launch the concept
Carr brought on two alumni from UNCG’s Department of Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) to help launch Late Checkout Thrift Store. One of them, Anna Lyons ’14, is the owner of Littlefoot Matcha.
“I built a social media marketing agency for the last 11 years,” says Lyons. “I have always had a heart for retail, and with my marketing background this felt like a natural fit.”
Lyons envisions the combined store and café as a destination where students can shop, play pool, study, eat, and attend events.
Alexandria Thompson-Ainsworth, another CARS alumna, served as project manager and brand strategist and was delighted to help bring the store concept to life.
“For me, this project was truly a full-circle moment that connected my background in fashion and retail, my experience in marketing and project management, and my passion for using creative ideas to support communities,” says Thompson-Ainsworth.
Find Your Bargains at the Cram & Scram
For many years, students have spruced up their wardrobe or their residence hall rooms during the annual Cram & Scram. This year’s is set for Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the EUC’s Cone Ballroom.
Open to the public; the event features a wide variety of gently used items, all priced at just $1, payable with cash or card. Stop by and meet the team from Late Checkout Thrift, pick up coupons, and learn more about UNCG’s new campus thrift store. Littlefoot Matcha will also be onsite serving their delicious drinks.
Love a good bargain? This is your chance to experience Cram & Scram before Late Checkout Thrift takes the tradition forward with dollar-sale events throughout the year.
Purchases at Late Checkout support Glenwood community programs
Carr is grateful to see this store elevate collaboration between the University and the Glenwood neighborhood. “Glenwood Together operates a nonprofit community center in the neighborhood that provides after-school programs, summer camps, family enrichment, and critical resources for unhoused and marginalized adults and families,” she says. “Late Checkout extends our youth leadership program into real job skill development and work opportunities.”
Supporting business owners is another part of Late Checkout Thrift’s mission. A row of booths lines one of the walls. These were built specifically for local artists and small business owners to rent. They’ll be selling jewelry, crafts, and other items to students and other guests. Together, the thrift store, café, and vendor booths create a gathering place where students and longtime residents can shop affordably, support local entrepreneurs, and connect with the Glenwood community.
“We’re excited to create another space that welcomes students and long-term residents,” says Carr. “They should experience a warm, welcoming atmosphere where they know they belong. Whether shopping for a bargain or the thrill of the hunt, Late Checkout is happy to serve.”
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
