Nine Lives, a nonprofit thrift store in St. Paul, celebrates its grand opening, offering affordable fashion while supporting local businesses and those in need.
Nine Lives, a nonprofit thrift store located at 1165 West Seventh Street in St. Paul, Minnesota, celebrated its grand opening on June 14, 2024, bringing a unique retail experience to the community. Co-founded by Roxanne Sanchez and Caitlin Langer, the store aims to promote sustainable fashion while assisting individuals in need and supporting other local businesses.
The inspiration for Nine Lives emerged during the pandemic, drawing from the childhood experiences and aspirations of Sanchez and Langer. Sanchez, who has a diverse professional background including work as a flight attendant and in the film industry, expressed enthusiasm about the store, stating, “This is my dream.” Langer, who previously worked in a consignment store and currently serves at the nonprofit American Indian Family Center, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting their shared vision for the business.
The concept for Nine Lives evolved from a playful idea shared between the two friends while they were roommates in 2016, but it took years of planning and development to materialize into an operational store. Their journey started with rummage sales to test the waters, garnering community support by asking friends and family for donated items. This grassroots approach proved successful, leading to organized sales that included musicians and local food trucks, further building rapport in the neighborhood.
With the store now open, Nine Lives focuses on offering inclusive sizing and a selection that primarily caters to women, though options for men are also available. Sanchez emphasized the store’s commitment to maintaining affordability: “Unless it’s a designer find that we could sell big to make money for our outreach or overhead, we keep prices at a bargain level.” This philosophy is reflected in items like a knit tank priced at approximately $6.
One unique aspect of Nine Lives is its community-oriented approach. The store uses recycled cardboard for its price tags, and Sanchez noted that many local businesses have contributed to its success. Sanchez, while managing the daily operations of the store, is actively forging connections with other nonprofits to provide vouchers and shopping nights for those in need.
The store’s popularity has prompted plans for expansion into the neighboring space, as it continues to attract customers interested in secondhand clothing. Julie Benick, a local shopper, commented on her experiences at Nine Lives, noting impressive finds such as a pair of high-end sneakers sold for just $9. This illustrates the store’s ethos of offering value while promoting the benefits of thrifting over traditional retail.
Nine Lives also serves as a venue for community gatherings, with special events like Nine Lives After Hours, which combines shopping with social opportunities. These events have fostered a sense of camaraderie among local residents. As Langer pointed out, such gatherings are integral to their mission, aiming to strengthen community connections.
Operating hours for Nine Lives are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the store remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. As Sanchez and Langer continue to nurture their vision, the success of Nine Lives represents not only a thriving business model but also a valuable community resource in St. Paul.
Source: Noah Wire Services
