2009: Bargain Box

Program Goal

Founded in 1951, the Bargain Box is the Junior League of Raleigh's longest-running fundraiser. The store offers affordable, high-quality, secondhand clothing, toys and household items. With strong sales and profit margins, it remains a steady and growing source of income for the League’s community fund. Over its 57-year history, the Bargain Box has contributed more than $1.2 million of the $4.5 million that the League has donated to the community.

Program Description

Now at its third and largest location, the Bargain Box has six employees and serves as a placement for more than 60 League members each year. The clothing and other items resold in the store are donated by League members and local retailers, and there is an annual merchandise-donation event co-sponsored with SteinMart. The business now includes an eBay store (launched in 2006) and "Bargain Bucks," vouchers and grants made available to nonprofit partner agencies.

The store has remained profitable due to the League’s attention to significant market and operations factors: The store is overseen by a committee Co-Captain, who occupies the position for two years after serving for one year as Assistant Co-Captain. She, therefore, is involved in planning and operation of the store for three years. This continuity of leadership enhances the training and placement experience of members, and supports the development of short- and long-term community-related goals.

Results/Outcomes

Sales and profits have increased steadily. In 2007-08, sales exceeded $480,000 with a profit of $144,000. There also has been a steady increase in the value of Bargain Bucks donated to community partners, from $23,000 in 2005-06 to $31,000 in 2007-08.

Evaluation

With the Bargain Box, the League has developed and implemented a model that requires leaders to plan and implement strategically in order to safeguard the effectiveness of the enterprise.

Impact

The League was inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame in 2006 and honored as a “community-oriented tradition” due in large part to the many community initiatives that were underwritten by the profits of the Bargain Box. The store remains one of the League’s most popular placements. It has prepared women for leadership both inside and outside the League, and, as the largest sustained source of funds, has enabled the League to continue to be a significant benefactor to the residents of Raleigh.