Pizazz needs winter wardrobe

By Sarah McNeil, Staff Reporter

An upscale retail shop is in desperate need of donations of winter clothing. Harbor, the nonprofit group that aids victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, operates Pizazz stores in Clayton and Smithfield.

Ann Waters, manager of the Smithfield shop, said donations of gently used winter clothing are in short supply this year. Long coats and plus-sized clothing are needed the most, she said.

“We have a lot of sweaters,” Waters said. “We are just running over with sweaters.”

Clothing that does come into the shop is gone quickly, Waters said. The Smithfield store normally averages about $250 in sales a day, but lately, sales have reached up to $400 a day, she said.

Waters suspects more people are taking advantage of the reasonably-priced shop to survive a weakening economy. Most items, including shoes, purses and jewelry, cost only a few dollars. Leather goods sell for about

$20, a small price to pay compared to some national retailers.

“It really helps Pizazz with this bad inflation, because people come here looking for a bargain,” Waters said. “We have so many items that still have tags on them and have never been used.”

The stores need clothing not only for shoppers but for clients of Harbor, which runs a shelter for abused women and children, who get first dibs on Pizazz items.

Earlier this month, 21 women and children were staying in the shelter, which only has 14 beds. “When a woman leaves [her abuser], all she has is what’s on her back,” said Tink Morris, Harbor board member. “When they come to us, they have the option to come to the stores and get whatever they need to take care of their needs and their children.”

Adults are not the only ones in need of clothing. Starting Jan. 1, the Smithfield store will begin accepting children’s clothing. Pizazz sold clothing for children, but stopped after the demand decreased. Now, the demand is back.

“We have customers requesting them again,” Waters said. All of the money from Pizazz goes back into Harbor programs. “We try our best to make every penny count for Harbor,” Waters said. “It’s a wonderful place to work because you know it is helping somebody every time you make one penny.”

Where to go Pizazz shops are at 721 N. Bright Leaf Blvd. in Smithfield and 132 E. Main St. in Clayton. The Clayton store sells only women’s clothing and accessories, while the Smithfield store offers a larger variety of items, including men’s clothing and household goods. Both stores are open from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. on Saturdays.