TAMPA, Fla. — The goal behind Vintage Etc. is high quality items at thrift store prices with a dash of shopping dignity.

It may be a church charity thrift store, but it reads more like a chic vintage spot — uber organized racks, heavily curated items, and a super welcoming vibe.

"I think our goal is to allow anyone to come in here, get loved on like they are the most important person in the world,” said Shelbi Hales, Volunteer Coordinator. “We'll help them, we want to make sure their shopping experience is wonderful — we want them to find with they are looking for."

We went on a fact-finding mission in the store. Here is what we found:

The Clothing Sections

The kid’s racks, like the rest of the clothing racks, are not overcrowded. There is room to move the hangers back and forth.

Everything has been laundered. They smell and feel clean, there are no marks or tears, and the racks spaced far enough between each other for you to move.

There are brands like Rare Editions and Epic Threads — those are sold a Macy’s.

There are also pieces from the Gap and Walmart (Faded Glory), which cost $2.50.

The Boutique

The Boutique section of the store holds higher end goods, like clothing, jewelry and shoes.

It’s laid out like a hipster shop on Central Ave. in St. Petersburg.

One example: Patent Leather mandarin and pink strappy Nine West brand heels with zero noticeable scuffs — $10.

The Picking Tree

A full Christmas tree is filled with ornaments — it’s called “The Picking Tree.”

"These are ornaments that have been donated to us. Some of them are antique some of them are newer," Hales explained.

And they are all reasonably priced: $1, $2 or $3.

"I had a lady yesterday buy like 20 different ornaments, and she was gonna give them as Christmas gifts. So it's a really cool idea, for a really affordable price," Hales said.

Small Business Saturdays

It’s the store’s first Small Business Saturday event — the store opened earlier in 2018.

They are going to be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

"We're gonna have a huge dollar bin, furniture is going to be really cut down, shoes and a lot of clothes are gonna be a dollar," said Hales.

There will also be a visit from the man himself, Santa Claus, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Charity

Vintage, Etc. encourage people to shop, donate and serve.

As the volunteer coordinator, Hales says high schoolers get service hours, and everyone gets the vibes of love and giving.

Proceeds from the shop benefit ministries of Grace Family Church.

One of those ministries is the Dream Center, where Hales herself is a volunteer. The Dream Center is a local youth and community center located in Ybor City.

The goal behind Vintage Etc. is high quality items at thrift store prices with a dash of shopping dignity. (Virgina Johnson/Spectrum News)
The goal behind Vintage Etc. is high quality items at thrift store prices with a dash of shopping dignity. (Virgina Johnson/Spectrum News)