Treasure Trove shop celebrates 50 years in Annandale
The Treasure Trove is celebrating its 50th anniversary next weekend with a storewide sale, giveaways, and prize drawings.
The consignment/thrift shop, 7010 Columbia Pike in the Annandale Shopping Center, is one of three volunteer-run shops that benefit Inova Fairfax Hospital. Last year, the Treasure Trove raised nearly $300,000 for the hospital, said manager Jodi Shannon, one of two paid staff members. About 60 volunteers work at the store, and Shannon said she could use twice that many. If you’re interested, fill out an application at the store.
As part of the anniversary, customers are asked to submit photos and stories about “amazing merchandise” purchased at the store. Shannon hopes to identify the “top 50 finds” to celebrate 50 years in business. There’s a box in the store to submit stories—which could be something like a designer handbag bought at a bargain-basement price, a dress that has garnered lots of compliments, or a vintage item that completes a collection.
Everyone who submits a story about something special purchased at the Treasure Trove will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate. The drawing will take place April 18.
One thing that’s unique about the Treasure Trove is how nicely everything is displayed. “We don’t believe a thrift store has to be dirty or disorganized,” Shannon said. “It should be fun to shop. We go to great lengths to show how items can be used in the home.” Merchandise includes furniture, tableware, books, dolls, jewelry, clothes, shoes, tchotchkes, home decor pieces, and collectibles.
Items can be donated or consigned. People who consign items receive half the sales proceeds when it is sold. “Sometimes people donate things because Inova saved a loved one’s life,” Shannon said. “They appreciate what Inova did for them, and it’s a way to pay them back.”
“It’s such a thrill to see the quality of the merchandise people donate or consign,” Shannon said. “It’s not uncommon for us to get very valuable things.” Among the unique items for sale within the last week or so: a beautiful 10-carat white gold necklace with aquamarines, a selection of Lenox and Waterford pieces, a hand-painted Japanase screen, a 19th century vase, a hand-painted oil lamp that has been converted to an electric lamp (in photo above), an antique Burmese temple hanging, and a collection of kimonos.
One thing she hears from customers “a dozen times a day” is that they had their eye one something the last time they were there and now it’s gone. “If you like something, if you want it, do not hesitate,” she advises.
The Treasure Trove is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Consignments are by appointment only, 703/256-7715. Donations can be brought any time the store is open.
