Creating a Memorable Experience At The Thrift Shoppes

Q: When did you join the Gulfside team and where did you start?

A: I started volunteering at Gulfside Hospice in September of 2015. I needed volunteer hours for Florida Bright Futures, so my mom gave me the great idea to volunteer at the New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe. After volunteering for a year, I really enjoyed the job, and people that I worked with. Three months prior to graduation, I had asked the manager at the time for a job.

I graduated on June 5th , and started on June 6th. The following May, I was promoted to assistant manager. I hope to one day achieve the role as Thrift Shoppe & Volunteer Manager.

Q: What does a typical day look like at the New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe for you?

A: My day starts by welcoming incoming volunteers, assessing the daily needs of the shoppe and assigning task to the scheduled volunteers ensuring that all incoming donations are processed in a timely manner.  Speaking of donations, without the generosity of the community, we would not be able to support our patients in need.  The quality of merchandise we receive truly shows how the community supports our mission and we in return are able to support the community as well.

Q: What does Gulfside mean to you?

A: Gulfside means family to me. I love the people I work with. We are a small group, but we are a family. We get work done, and we have fun doing it. One of Gulfside’s values is thanking all staff, especially the volunteers who work everyday, sometimes 5 days a week. From the perspective of a manager, we strive to continually show them our appreciation. 

After interviewing Alex and hearing his perspective, our team talked to the Director of Thrift Shoppes, Aaron Barrish, and asked why the Thrift Shoppe team strives to create a memorable experience for customers. Here is what Aaron had to say:

“A memorable customer service experience is one that leaves the customer feeling good about the company. If someone has a good experience with customer service, they have a better overall impression of your brand. Someone who has a memorable experience with your customer service team will become brand advocates, perhaps spreading the word offline, perhaps leaving reviews online. That customer will bring in additional customers. The Thrift Shoppe team creates a memorable experience by empowering and uplifting each other, as well as being passionate about Gulfside’s mission.”

Looking to have a memorable experience and support Gulfside?

We invite you to have your own memorable experience at a Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe. Shopping at Gulfside is a great way to give back to the community and save big on modern furniture, trendy clothing, and find collectibles that will make you feel nostalgic. All proceeds from the Thrift Shoppe locations benefit Gulfside Hospice patients in Pasco County. You can also join the Thrift Shoppe team by becoming or visiting Gulfside’s career center.

To find a location near you, click here. You can also follow Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes on Facebook or sign up for “Thrifty’s Email Club” to stay up to date on all the thriftastic news and deals.