By Stephen Kindland
Staff writer
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Despite heavy rains, customers flocked to Nu-2-Ewe thrift store on a recent Saturday morning looking for deals while receiving personal service they seldom find elsewhere.
“When it’s sunny, you can hardly walk around in here,” says Kelly Odum, who opened the unassuming little shop with his wife, Michelle, in early March.
As customers browse through the 1,000-square-foot building’s four rooms, their eyes scan neatly arranged shelves displaying everyday household items: everything from purses and children’s books to DVDs, paintings, house wares, porcelain dolls and coffee tables.
Most of the furniture, however, is kept outside in what once was a carport attached to the freshly painted, white-and-green converted house at 614 N. Orange Ave.
“It’ll all be gone within hours,” Michelle says.
“Furniture goes as fast as we bring it in,” her husband adds with a laugh.
Deeply religious, the Odums say that serving others is more important to them than turning high profits. Judging by their low prices and willingness to call customers when they locate requested items they find at flea markets, estate sales and the Internet, the two Holy Congregational Church members are true to their word.
“Our goal is to help the community and not gouge anyone,” Michelle Odum says after ringing up a grateful-sounding customer. “We’re all sheep in God’s eyes, and He is our shepherd. That’s where the name Nu-2-Ewe came from."
The customer is Leanne Dally, a St. Augustine area resident and experienced thrift store shopper who just bought a stuffed shark, some dishes and three drinking glasses to match her set at home.
“I usually have something in mind when I shop,” she says. “That’s why I don’t do garage sales. I just do thrift shops and consignment stores.”
Though they don’t promote it outwardly, the Odums offer consignment sales as well.
“There was a family that relocated a few weeks ago, and we put [her percentage of the sale] straight into her bank account,” Michelle said. “People trust us.”
For Kelly, who hopes to fulfill his dream of opening a combination thrift store and upholstery shop, it’s all in a day’s work.
“We opened this place on faith,” he says. “We get blessed every day.”
For more information about the store, call (904) 621-7102.