First sale for ‘honor system’ shop on Fir Street will be this Saturday, Nov. 24
Regina Jensen’s “Good-as-New” store, where people can shop for clothing, books, or a gift, on the honor system, is holding an outdoor-only sale from 2 p.m. until dark on Sunday, Nov. 24, and again on Sunday, Dec. 22, just in time for Christmas.
The store is run on the principle of what Jensen calls Radical Trust, whereby shoppers can pick out what they want or need and pay for them “Farmstand Style” by dropping cash (exact amount only) into a secured lockbox, or by a local check.
“People can acquire even less expensive items and bundles that can be used for Christmas gifts for friends and family and can easily be returned locally for something else,” said Jensen. “The prices are extremely reasonable; buy one item and pick two more items from the ‘gratis’ box. Visitors can also pick one item from the ‘gratis’ box without making a purchase.”
Some of the items for sale are new and unused books, bundled and exchangeable, which came from a bookstore that was closing; new kitchen items; new to nearly new women’s shoes, sizes 7 1/2 to 9; men’s footwear, work and outdoor, nothing “fancy”; women’s jewelry, priced to sell, packaged for Christmas; women’s clothing, unused Victoria’s Secret bras, sizes 36/34 C or thereabout; new kids toys; medium to large succulent outdoor plants; and many personal items, to mention just a few.
Jensen’s closet-size “Department Store” is filled with almost new items for the bargain hunter and is a not-for-profit enterprise.
“All proceeds, after expenses are paid, go to Maria at Monique’s Hair Salon around the corner from my shop,” said Jensen. “She distributes these funds to needy Hispanic families in the United States and Mexico, her first culture of concern.”
The Good-as-New shop is at 1669 Fir St., in Solvang, behind the ACE Hardware store. It is a tiny house between the shoe repair shop and the laundromat and in front of the hair salon. The address doesn’t appear on the building.
Feature Image: Regina Jensen is shown in front of her Good as New store in Solvang shortly after its opening. Her business will be holding outdoor sales on Nov. 24 and Dec. 22. Star File Photo
