Second Bloom

I really like Second Bloom, and have found some great clothes there in excellent condition. They generally have good brand names. Plus, proceeds go to a wonderful cause.
The home goods section is very small… if that’s what you’re looking for, this is not the place for you.
My only complaint about this thrift store is that the staff has never been very friendly.

Books ! If we are part of or want to meet others who are part of the Literate Few, the front of this store has a small section of Used Books!
Old Clothes in Good Condition, though NOT Vintage and nothing that I saw looked appealing in Style to anyone that I know! Still you NEVER know what you may find in a place like this and it helps Victims of Family Violence

I have frequented this business many times as a buyer and donator and have nothing to add to previous very well written review, except that if you visit on a frequent basis you may find some pieces in current styles, and/​or cheap vintage niceties. Kinda like a Marshall’s thrift store. I should know because I have donated those items :) but others have too. Inventory constantly changes and donators’ items come from a range of clientele. The good stuff goes fast. This store gets a lot of traffic.

Locale:
Appearances are deceiving with Second Bloom in a surprisingly good way; located in heart of the historic downtown Pittsboro is this boutique covered with disheveled cedar shake. From an outside glance at the small storefront, one would think that its selection is not vast and that it is a regular store. However, Second Bloom is the creation of Family Violence & Rape Crisis Services (FVRC) of Chatham County. This organization uses the proceeds from this store to help fund their services for battered and abused women and children, so by patronizing this store you can help the community in many ways.
Ambiance:
Before you go in, prepare yourself with ample time because you will probably need a few hours to sort through the racks in order to find something of your liking. The store’s interior with its fixtures and layout is very much like clothing stores of the early ‘90s, so all of you fans of the TV series Blossom and The Baby-​Sitters Club can relive your 1991 shopping fantasy with your besties.
The store clerk lady was mostly friendly and greeted me and most patrons as they entered; however I noticed that she did not do so for minorities, instead appearing noticeably uncomfortable with their presence (which knocks off a star). She was however still cordial with everyone when it came time to ring up.
Due to the nature of this type of clothing store, there is a ‘80s «perfumy» scent that initially overwhelms you which you end up not noticing after a few minutes. For when you find an item you like, there were two decently-​sized fitting rooms, one in each corner at the back of the store; all equipped with their own mirrors and seat. Freshen up before you come, since there are no public restrooms as indicated by a noticeable sign in the back.
In the Bag:
From my keen observation, this boutique does not really sell vintage clothes, instead its bread and butter is work clothes from the ‘90s and ‘00s with some ‘70s and ’80’s pieces thrown in. So, if you are in the market for suits and other dressy separates that are perfect for office attire then this place will fill your needs, ladies.
Just don’t expect to find an antique 1930s bias-​cut charmeuse gown or anything like that in here. However you might be lucky to find something like that, just don’t hold your breath as this store has more recent items. The ‘80s Rainbow bow pumps with the right outfit and some pizazz will put you in Chloë Sevigny cool it-​girl territory.
Brands that I noticed while browsing: Rena Rowan, Neiman Marcus private label, Talbots, Casual Corner, Harvé Bernard, Emanuel by Emanuel Ungaro, Kasper, Anne Klein, Ellen Tracy, and Rafaella. All which had they heyday a while back.
Unfortunately, most of these labels are not really what 20-​somethings would wear; it’s too dowdy for them.
While women’s clothes understandably encompass most of the stock in the store (clothes, shoes, hats, accessories, and handbags), there is a surprisingly decent men’s selection, including a small men’s shoes area. Furthermore there is also a small selection of infant and toddler’s clothes, nick nacks, books (self-​help, as well as campy ‘80s Fabio-​esque romance novels) as well as some random VHS titles (Jerry McGuire and Star Trek Voyager, anyone?).
Considerations:
If you are in the market for «new to you» clothes that may be on the conservative side (although most anything can be spruced up with the right accessories), while helping the local community (as the proceeds from the store provide abused women with rehabilitation and outreach services) then this place is a good stop for you as the prices are very reasonable and the staff does not hound you as you’re allowed to browse freely and at your own pace. Plus, it’s nice to help Pittsboro’s central business district by patronizing this local store.