by Steven Felschundneff | steven@claremont-courier.com

September is around the corner and that means Claremont’s favorite thrift store, The Economy Shop, will be reopening for its nine-month season.
Then newly remodeled store, which has been in operation since 1933, will open on September 1, with hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“The Economy Shop and its volunteers provide a rare blend of neatly displayed clean, quality thrift store merchandise and a fun place to shop or volunteer. Eighty-eight years of service to the community attest to its viability,” read a Shop news release. The recent renovation, which was completed through donated time and materials, includes new flooring, interior paint and lighting.
The thrift store is completely owned and operated by its volunteer staff with all proceeds, minus modest operating expenses, going to local charities, including Hope Partners, Claremont Homeless Advocacy Program, Claremont Senior Services, Claremont After School Program, Crossroads, Dignity Caps, Project Sister, Shoes that Fit and Service Center for Independent Life
The Economy Shop began during the Great Depression, offering local residents, including citrus farm workers, a place to buy clothing and household goods. In 1948 the organization acquired an old telephone switching station at 325 W. First Street and opened a year later.
Donations of clean clothing, small household goods, jewelry and books are accepted during regular hours of operation and Monday and Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m.
Shoppers will be asked to follow county safety guidelines including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. There will be a limited number of people allowed in the shop at one time.
The Economy Shop is located at 325 W. First Street in the Claremont Village. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Call (909) 626-7334.