A thrift shop in operation for over a half-century has relocated in Slatington.

Originally open in 1965, Second Chance Shoppe moved in March to its present location at 578 Main St. near the Fireman’s Statue.

The shop provides inexpensive clothing and household items, according to Debbie Geiger, vice president.

Before the move, Geiger said the shop had been located at 636 Main St., where it had been for the past four decades.

“We outgrew our other store,” Geiger said. “It’s (now) at a beautiful location, and has big windows for us to display.”

Geiger said the original shoppe was located across Center Street from Bechtel’s Pharmacy, adding that it was started by the King’s Men which was an active organization of St. John’s Lutheran.

Despite the shoppe’s recent move, Geiger said there are many who still are unaware of its new location.

“We found that a lot of people don’t know we’re here,” she said. “They’re all very pleased with our new shop; all positive comments.”

Geiger said the shop relies on donations from the community, and is completely run by volunteers.

While it’s sponsored by St. John’s Lutheran Church, it has its own board of directors and runs independent of the church.

“In addition to providing a necessary service to our community, we also donate to many local and national organizations,” she said.

“Some include fire companies, the Slatington Library, the Northern Lehigh Community Center, and Disaster Relief efforts.”

Geiger said they also have a $6 bag sale going on most of the year, and also reduce prices at the end of summer and winter to clear out merchandise for the next season.

“Very few thrift stores do bag sales on clothing,” she said. “Clothing is usually priced by the piece. This makes our shoppe unique.”

Geiger explained the purpose of Second Chance Shoppe.

“Our mission is to help others both by having inexpensive clothing, baby items, toys, household items, seasonal decorations for people to purchase at reasonable prices, and the funds are donated to our emergency responders,” she said. “Now that we’re here, we’re hoping to get the word out that we’re here for whatever their needs are, whether it be donating or purchasing things at reasonable prices.”

Geiger noted that they have around 50 volunteers who are mostly from the local community and churches, and added they are always looking for more.

Second Chance Shoppe is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10-2 Saturday, and closed on Sunday and Monday.