In a city known for luxury shopping and designer labels, a popular Las Vegas thrift shop offers fashion lovers the thrill of the find while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Located at 6446 W. Charleston Blvd., the Assisting Lives in Las Vegas Thrift Shop (www.ALLV.org) is a destination for savvy shoppers seeking everything from everyday essentials to high-end designer labels. Unlike traditional retail stores, every purchase supports the nonprofit’s philanthropic programs that help local children and families in need.
“We get spectacular donations from the community,” said Mary Rautenstrauch, Thrift Shop Chair and one of the nonprofit’s more than 350 members who volunteer their time with Assisting Lives in Las Vegas. “We receive brand-new items with tags still attached, designer clothing, beautiful accessories and unique home goods. You never know what you’re going to find.”
One of the shop’s most popular attractions is its Top Drawersection, a curated collection of premium brands and designer pieces. Member volunteers carefully examine every item, selecting only the best clothing, shoes and accessories.
“Top Drawer is for higher-end brands and exceptional quality,” explained Darla Gustaitis, who oversees the section. “We inspect everything closely and make sure it looks nearly new. We want customers to feel like they’re getting something truly special.”
The selection regularly includes sought-after labels such as Coach, Tommy Bahama, Chico’s, and Marc Jacobs. Shoppers have even scored Jimmy Choo shoes and Dior dresses. Patrons can often put together complete outfits, from clothing and shoes to handbags and jewelry, at a fraction of retail prices.
The shop’s boutique atmosphere surprises many first-time visitors and is one of the reasons it has been named Best Thrift Shop by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for nine consecutive years. “Shoppers are amazed by how clean and organized it is,” Mary said. That attention to detail has helped cultivate a loyal customer base. Some visitors stop by multiple times each week because “new” merchandise is put on the sales floor daily.
Shoppers are also surprised to learn there are no paid staff members at the shop. “We’re here because we want to make a difference,” said Mary. “It comes from the heart.”
Revenue from the thrift shop helps fund the nonprofit’s philanthropic programs, including Our School Boutique, which each year provides thousands of Clark County School District students with a week’s worth of brand-new clothing during a special field trip to the nonprofit’s headquarters.
“For the past 50 years, our members have shown up for students and families in this community. Every day, we make an impact in the community where we live,” said Assisting Lives in Las Vegas President Lilian Xu.
The Thrift Shop also works to ensure donations benefit the community in multiple ways. Items that cannot be sold in the store are distributed to partner organizations serving families, youth, and individuals experiencing hardships. “We try not to throw anything away,” Darla said. “Knowing that donations continue helping people throughout our community is one of the things I love most.”
“We care about our community and it shows,” says Mary. “When people shop here, they are helping their neighbors.” The Assisting Lives in Las Vegas Thrift Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcoming shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind finds while supporting local children and families.