Via Community News Service, in partnership with Vermont State University Castleton
If you take a stroll down Merchants Row in Rutland these days, you’ll find not one, not two, but three thrift stores all within steps of each other and packed with secondhand treasures.
Whether it’s vintage T-shirts, high-end consignment, or low-cost luxury, local thrift store owners are not only transforming the retail scene but also establishing connections with their neighbors.
Three businesses — Bougie on a Budget, Camille’s Experienced Clothing and the recently established Krusted Gold — emphasize the importance of thrift shopping in Rutland.
Camille’s, at 44 Merchants Row, has been the longest operating of the three at 36 years. The shop was founded by the mother-in-law of the current owner, Jadziah DeRosia. Taking on the job of running the store was almost like a family tradition, with DeRosia having met her husband while he was running a vintage clothing store in Burlington.
“When my mother-in-law was looking to retire and sell the business, it was kind of a natural fit for me to take over and purchase the business from her,” DeRosia said.
At Camille’s, DeRosia uses a consignment approach, which allows consumers to sell their finds through the store. The original consignors receive a percentage of the earnings if the merchandise sells, ensuring that roughly 40% of sales revenue is returned to the community.
“Our consignors are phenomenal,” DeRosia said. “Some make a few hundred dollars seasonally just by bringing in their unused clothing.”
Camille’s, being one of the largest consignment stores in Vermont, has a large assortment of items. It offers everything from casual clothes to classic 1950s dresses, nursing scrubs and even wedding gowns.
DeRosia has plans in the works to add a second-floor showroom for high-end vintage and bridal clothes.
“There’s nowhere in the area to shop for wedding dresses,” she said. “I want to create a space where people can have that traditional experience of trying on gowns with their family.”
DeRosia sees second-hand clothing as an environmentally conscious choice.
“We keep a lot of clothing out of landfills,” she explained. “It’s also a great way to find unique styles you won’t see in fast fashion stores.”
Bougie on a Budget, at 30 Merchants Row, opened in October 2024, and owner Jamie Watkins said the store represents her journey and interest in inexpensive, high-quality fashion. Watkins left a career in health care and hospitality to follow her ambition of owning a second-hand store.
“I was tired of working for the man and making somebody else rich,” Watkins shared. “The opportunity to come into this space arose, and I jumped.”
Watkins’ store features a vast range of name-brand clothes. That also includes designer items, including Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, Armani, and even more luxury items such as Louis Vuitton and Coach. With the occasional help of her daughters, Watkins runs her business solo. She makes it a point to check each item to ensure quality and she said she has a greater desire than just selling clothes: to help out the community.
Growing up in a low-income family, Watkins was unable to afford a prom dress or ticket. She now offers free or low-cost formal clothing to local teenagers who would otherwise miss out on a significant night like this.
“If a girl can at least buy a ticket but can’t afford a gown, I’ll give them one,” Watkins said. “It’s about making sure every child can have that experience.”
Watkins also sells suits and ties as well at reasonable prices, to make sure everyone can be included in the experience.
Devon Riggio is an avid thrift shopper and Vermont State University student who is excited by the opportunities in Rutland.
“I love a good thrift store. Camille’s is great, so when another one opened right next door, I was so excited. Being a college student obviously leaves not a lot of space for shopping, but having now three spots on the same row where I can get affordable clothes is a game changer,” Riggio said.
The newest addition to the Merchants Row thrifting family is Krusted Gold, at 40 Merchants Row. This second-hand clothing store is co-owned by partners Alexander Wade, Anthony Patorti and Sara Eversden, who are all passionate about vintage fashion and sustainability. The store, which opened March 1, has already made an impression with its commitment to repurposing donated clothing.
“The name Krusted Gold came from the idea that used clothing is kind of very valuable, and own old little gold,” Wade said. “They might be a little worn out, maybe a little crusty doesn’t mean that it’s still not gold. Sort of like a diamond and rough kind of thing.”
Their company began by reselling vintage clothes online, but quickly discovered the large volume of donated clothing that goes unworn. They have three donation spots that provide them donated clothing. Weekly or bi-weekly, they go to designated spots and establish a system for processing and distributing all donated second-hand clothing.
“We just wanted to keep things in the community and give people an affordable option for cool, unique clothing,” Wade said.
The store’s grand opening featured two local live band performances. The spot Krusted Gold is now located in what used to be Merchants Hall. This was an event venue that used to feature performances from drag shows to rock concerts.
Wade said they have received a warm welcome from the Rutland community, with local organizations spreading the word.
“We’ve had a lot of support from other businesses,” Wade said. “It’s great to see that sense of community.”
Possible cut:
Area residents can also get thrifted items at the Open Door Mission at 31 Park St. The Mission is a layered organization dedicated to supporting the community through its thrift store, soup kitchen and shelters.
The thrift store sells quality men’s, women’s, children’s and infant apparel and household items at reasonable prices.
Tammy Duclos is the executive director over at Open Door Mission. One of Duclos’ many sayings is: “We label cans, not people.”
“Our thrift store runs very well. We took a very large hit when Good Will came in. We are a nonprofit that makes most of our revenue on the thrift store,” Duclos said.
Their thrift store takes donations of all kinds of clothes, they just ask that the clothes be of quality.
“We are able to give the working, poor and the homeless clothing. They get to go out and pick out what they want. We always let people know that please don’t bring us clothes with tears or rips, and don’t bring them something that you’ve beaten to death. People want to look just as you and I do when they go out,” Duclos said.