Uptown Threads remains open, supports community with secondhand clothing

Shana Rosenberg, operations manager of local secondhand clothing store Uptown Threads, often greets customers who are both surprised and happy to see the shop still up and running. A location change and financial hardship led many customers to believe the store had closed.

Rosenberg said that while it resulted in an initial dip in sales, the team is glad to have the new space, located at 5154 College Corner Pike, about a 5 minute drive from the Mile Square. Frequent conversations with patrons who rediscovered the store and shared their enthusiasm for its continued operation have encouraged them.

“We’re really happy to now have that Uptown Threads space,” she said.

The store moved from Church Street in August. Along with a location shift, the organization began focusing its mission on providing clothing resources to the community, rather than fabric reclamation.

Rosenberg said the new mission still aims to support Oxford residents and Miami University students, while promoting sustainability in a way that is more financially feasible.

“Our new mission is still based in sustainability,” she said. “It’s very important to us that we are helping to keep clothing in the circular economy.”

Uptown Threads allows community members to donate clothing, and in turn gives “Karma Bucks” that can be used for in-store purchases.

Bob Black, interim director of the store’s parent nonprofit Thread Up Oxford, said the new mission is derived from the belief that clothing is a human right. He hopes to allow all members of the community the resources to present and express themselves the way they desire.

“I think we lose track of how much that plays in someone’s life … We carry that stuff forward,” Black said. “How we dress affects how we approach the world and it affects how the world approaches us.”

Local community groups such as Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services and the Talawanda School District have been one avenue Uptown Threads has used to connect with community members in need. They also formed a connection with Miami’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services.

Laura Desmond, program manager of global partnerships and programs, said clothing donations and Karma Bucks have been helpful for international students coming from warmer climates who don’t have winter clothing.

“Buying all the winter wear is expensive,” she said. “These students have paid a lot already to get here – for travel, for visa, tuition and living expenses here. This is one small element we can do to support our students.”

Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter

Desmond said when international students express financial concerns, it’s nice to be able to connect them with Uptown Threads. Karma Bucks allow them to visit the store and pick out the clothes they like best.

Rosenberg said in January, Uptown Threads was able to give out over $1,500 worth of clothing to the Oxford community. These donations are possible due to patrons of the store.

“When students come in and shop, they are directly helping the community,” she said.

While the organization is now focused on community service and in possession of over six tons of saleable products, they also remain in possession of discarded fabric they are hoping to divert from the landfill. However, this would require fundraising and increased financial resources.

“We are actually still sitting on quite a bit of rag material, and we’re hoping this year to get a grant to finally get it shredded and be able to dispose of it in a sustainable fashion,” Rosenberg said.

Over the course of the previous fabric reclamation mission, 63 tons of fabric was saved from entering the landfill. Uptown Threads is currently undecided on whether they will return to fabric reclamation efforts in the future due to financial constraints. In the meantime, they plan to continue serving the community through the creation of a circular economy and donation opportunities.

kennelse@miamioh.edu