Savvy shoppers from Otsego County and beyond who love a good bargain have probably checked out the overflowing racks and shelves of the New Leash on Life Thrift Shop a time or two, but they might not be familiar with the Boutique.

Regular patrons of the store, however, know exactly where to head for name brand items, designer clothes and accessories, and higher end vintage pieces. On any given day, one might expect to find a Badgley Mischka dress, Lenox vase, Nardelli handbag and fine Portuguese candlesticks in the Boutique, all at incredibly low prices. 

“The Boutique at New Leash on Life is a lovely little nook in our thrift shop where we showcase name brand, new, specialty, and extraordinary items,” said Manager Sara Lucas. “Our finest items are found in the Boutique, but our store is a treasure trove through and through.”

On Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1, the New Leash on Life Thrift Shop will host an open house to highlight the Boutique, featuring refreshments for all customers plus special adoption discounts for shoppers making Boutique purchases.

“If you spend $10 on Boutique items, you’ll receive a coupon worth 10 percent off the adoption of a dog or cat at the Susquehanna SPCA. Spend $20 and receive a 20 percent coupon, and so on up to $50,” Lucas said.

While items sold in the Boutique are not generally subject to discounts, the New Leash on Life Thrift Shop features weekly specials and – every Wednesday – shoppers 60+ enjoy 50 percent off all purchases from the main store.

Donations to the thrift store and the Boutique, including brand new merchandise as well as gently used apparel, home goods, and non-clothing items, can be dropped off Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Lucas at (607) 547-9462.

“We thank all of our donors for their generosity and kindness,” Lucas added. “We could not do it without each and every one of you.”   

All profits from the New Leash on Life Thrift Shop go to the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), located right next door. In 2018, the Susquehanna SPCA cared for just under 800 surrendered, stray, and seized animals, and kicked off a capital campaign to build a new state-of-the art facility. Donations to the SHELTER US campaign now through October 1 will be doubled through the Staffworks Fund Matching Challenge Grant.

“This gift is a challenge grant,” explained Susquehanna SPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes. “That means every new cash gift or multi-year pledge we generate through October 1 will be matched by the Staffworks Fund, up to a total of $250,000.”

To learn more about the Susquehanna SPCA and to view available animals, stop by the shelter Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. or visit www.sqspca.org. For more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, call (607) 547-8111.