The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Hungry Hollow. For those old enough, the Hollow conjures up images of taverns, mill workers and loggers. The Share Store, in the old Palm Electric building at the corner of Phillips and Thayer Streets, is out to change that.

As that image fades from memory, a new one emerges. The Share Store, 236 Thayer Street, joins City Cleaners, an institution for years, the Sportsman’s Cafe and Moonlighting in providing an alternative to Brown Street.

“We were looking for a location with a lot of traffic,” said owner John Heise. “A spot with vision where a lot of people would see us. We looked downtown but the traffic count here was higher.”

The Share Store opened its doors on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and evidently many have found the business already. There was a steady stream of customers Thursday morning only it’s not business as usual at this store.

“We take donations,” said Heise. “The people consign the merchandise to us. They then designate a charity from our list. Their share of the sale price goes to this charity. We’re community minded.”

Right now the charities working with the Share Store include the Rhinelander Food Pantry, the Northwoods Emergency Food Pantry, the Rhinelander Animal Shelter and the YMCA of the Northwoods Strong Kids Campaign. To begin with the Share Store will see to it that 20 percent of the sale price goes to the designated charity.

“We’re starting out with that percentage so that we can make it as a business and stay open,” said Heise. “Eventually we’d like that to go to 50 percent. Most people have things around their home. This store gives people a chance to give in hard times when money dries up.”

Items needed for resale are: Clothing for all ages in good or better condition, household items such as dishes, glassware, pictures, home decor and furniture in good condition, books, games, sporting goods and other miscellaneous items. All items must be clean and in good working condition.

The Share Store will not accept televisions, computers or large appliances.

“We will have a ‘help your neighbor board,’” said Heise. “We’ll post items too big for the store and also items people are looking for. All donations are welcome, come down and check it out. We’ll be having a grand opening the second week in January.”

Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Share store will be closed Saturdays. For more information, call 715-362-5410.

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Katie Rhinelander wrote on Jul 1, 2009 9:07 AM:

" I unfortuntally have not been to your store yet, but here many good things abot it. I have lots of items I would like to donate but would rather see them go to a business or charity of my choice. Some examples to keep an open mind to are: Local daycares, possibly a homeless shelter, local nursing homes/ living asst. homes, etc... Keep up the good work. I envy all you do for our community in need especially at times when our economy is rough. Thank you. "

Former resident wrote on Dec 12, 2008 1:32 PM:

" The trend that I am seeing is that between Thayer Street and Brown St. downtown Rhinelander is rapidly becoming the second hand and consignment shop capital of the north.
Just an observation. "

The comments above are from readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Rhinelander Daily News.