PUHI — Alex Monks, communication specialist with the Kaua‘i Humane Society, went to live social media Saturday to enhance the actual opening of Blooming Tails, the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s thrift store.
“She’s getting her morning workout,” Monks said while Launa Bacon, Blooming Tails manager, worked the chains opening two bays at the warehouse located at 1544 Haleukana Street.
The new location of Blooming Tails establishes an animal alley on Haleukana Street, anchored by the Natural Pet Hawai‘i pet store and the Bark Bark Backyard 5-year-old pet-sitting and boarding service.
“We benefit the animals, too,” Bacon said. “We are the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s thrift store, and everything we sell benefits the animals at the humane society.”
Blooming Tails opened to the public Saturday morning following a period where activity was restricted to the basement of the KHS facility in Kipu since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re still doing the online sales,” Bacon said. “And, we also have curbside pickup by appointment that’s something new from our previous location. We also do shipping.”
The service is part of the pandemic health and safety guidelines, where shoppers are required to have face masks and observe social distancing.
“They had a soft opening Friday that we were invited to,” said RJ Tolodziecki, owner of Bark Bark Backyard. “One of our employees found a new pair of shoes for just three dollars. That kind of bargains — new shoes? — are unheard of.”
Bacon said the location in the Puhi Industrial Park is bigger than the shop’s former location in Lihu‘e.
“This is about 3,000 square feet in two bays that we can use to sell items,” Bacon said. “We have a mezzanine with holidays all year — people love the holidays. And, with the larger space, we can offer furniture — the couch was donated by Dickie Chang. Furniture is something badly needed on the island.”
In addition to the usual thrift-shop offerings of clothing, bags and handbags and home-decor items, Blooming Tails touts some antiques, estate items, and even a section featuring products for animals and pets as well as supporter wear for the Kaua‘i Humane Society.
Blooming Tails is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Monday is the only day we’re not here,” Bacon said. “Otherwise, we’re here every day. For more information, call 808-378-4478.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
