Retreat Boutique's Second Location Grows a Following

The trend of shopping at thrift and consignment stores has yielded great results for the newest thrift shop in Port Jefferson – which happens to be The Retreat Boutique's second location. 

Since its opening on April 6 this year, The Retreat Boutique has been steadily growing a following, according to manager Jackie Carter. 

The boutique is one of two Long Island thrift stores that benefits The Retreat, a nonprofit organization "whose mission is to stop the cycle of domestic violence," Carter said. 

"People come in and shop, they ask questions about our mission, and they seem to be pretty impressed," Carter said.

The shop is currently in need of a more local donation base, she said. Most of its merchandise comes by way of The Retreat's flagship store in Bridgehampton. 

The proceeds support a crisis hotline as well as educational and therapeutic services and more for victims of domestic violence. 

"Getting the word out is very important," Carter said.

The staff and volunteers are having fun, she said. She changes the window displays weekly and loves the fact that many people come in on the ferry and stop by Chandler Square to shop. 

"Ever since we opened, our purpose was to create a presence in the community," Carter said. "People say 'what a beautiful store.' That inspires us to do better."