Second-hand shop becomes a second home
Volunteers are the backbone of B’nai B’rith’s Bargain Bazaar charity shop, which faces an uncertain future.
SINCE its inception, B’nai B’rith’s Bargain Bazaar charity shop in Surry Hills has become an institution – a major social hub where all members of society interact. For some, it is a bargain hunter’s Aladdin’s cave and a place to stock up on household goods; for others, it is a second home.
Manager Robert Kohn has been its driving force for the past 10 years. After retiring from his printing business, his path crossed that of John Lilienfeld’s who had saved the Bargain Bazaar Charity Shop from imminent closure. The two began working together running it and, shortly before Lilienfeld died, he asked Kohn to take the reins.
The shop is filled to the rafters with like-new clothes, books, accessories and homewares, and all at affordable prices.
When Kohn describes his work, words such as “kindness”, “generosity” and “giving back” regularly crop up.
“The volunteers are the backbone of this joint venture who make it all happen,” Kohn explained.
“They also build a personal rapport with the customers, many of whom are regulars.
“We have customers say to us, ‘I can shop in David Jones, but I prefer to come here’. Without a doubt, we have made a difference to many people’s lives.”
Three years ago, Kohn noticed inside the Surry Hills Shopping Centre that a shop space at the rear of the centre had become vacant.
He managed to secure the space rent-free from the property manager, the Vidor family, to use it specifically for the sale of recycled furniture.
The venture proved to be a spectacular success and in 15 months it sold more than $300,000 worth of furniture. By the end of this year it will have raised $1.1 million for charity.
Indeed, Bargain Bazaar is a supporter of different charities and social enterprises, but the fortunes of the shop have changed. “At the beginning of this year the Surry Hills shopping centre was pulled down and the pedestrian traffic, so essential for business, came to a halt,” said Kohn.
“Then COVID-19 happened and this did not help us at all.”
Bargain Bazaar has relocated to a nearby pop-up shop as a short-term solution.
With restrictions easing, how does Kohn see the future of Bargain Bazaar?
“The future is difficult,” Kohn said with a sigh. “I am ready to step down, after 10 years, but we have not been able to find a successor.
“I would like to appeal to the community; we need someone who is willing to step up and take the reins. A lot of the infrastructure is already there, but we need someone to lead this project. Someone with business acumen, experience in retail and a drive to give back to our community.”
It appears that the future of Bargain Bazaar now hangs in the balance. One thing is certain: given this prolonged period of isolation, enterprises such as Bargain Bazaar have never been more urgent or important for communities.
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