At The Shops at Spartan Village, within walking distance of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) main campus, a secondhand store called Late Checkout Thrift has opened, selling adult and children's clothing, footwear, home goods, and accessories almost entirely priced under $10, with merchandise mainly converted from items discarded by the university's students when moving out of their dorms. The store is operated by the nonprofit Glenwood Together, with proceeds supporting workforce development and community programs in the Glenwood community.

Key Points

  • The store is located at The Shops at Spartan Village next to campus, operated by Glenwood Together, with the vast majority of items priced under $10.
  • Its inventory mainly comes from items students leave with UNCG's logistics department each spring when moving out of their dorms, given a second life through the store.
  • UNCG recycles about 200 tons of materials annually through its Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, with a landfill diversion rate of 37%.

From Dorm Move-Out Discards to Campus Secondhand Store Shelves

What makes this store special is where its goods come from. Anyone can donate, but the vast majority of items come directly from the university's own students: each spring, when students pack up and move out of their dorms, they hand over unwanted items to UNCG's logistics department, and these materials are now redirected to Late Checkout. The store is open year-round, located just outside the Gate City Boulevard pedestrian tunnel, a short walk from the main campus.

Low prices are only part of the value. By channeling still-usable move-out materials back into this store, UNCG is able to extend the life of clothing and home goods and keep them out of the waste disposal chain. University data shows that the school recycles about 200 tons of materials annually through its Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, achieving a landfill diversion rate of 37%.

Dayna Carr, executive director of Glenwood Together, said there had not been a thrift store on campus for a long time, and that students are increasingly aware of the harms of fast fashion—buying secondhand not only saves money but also serves as a rejection of harmful fashion practices.

A Retail and Coffee Hybrid, Alumni-Led in Operations and Design

Late Checkout features a retro hotel-themed interior, with a pool table, outdoor seating, and a Littlefoot Matcha coffee bar, intended to let students and community residents do more than shop—they can grab a drink, study, and gather. It sits in the same commercial area as Bestway supermarket, Millennium Salon, Twisted Nailz, Happy Bowl, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Don Gala Pizzeria, and other businesses, offering students dining, groceries, and beauty options.

Carr brought in two UNCG Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) alumni to help bring the store to life. One is Anna Lyons, a 2014 graduate who is also the owner of Littlefoot Matcha. Lyons said she has run a social media marketing company for the past 11 years and has always had a passion for retail, and that her marketing background made this crossover feel natural. She envisions the combination of the store and coffee bar becoming a destination where students can shop, play pool, study, eat, and attend events. The other CARS alumna, Alexandria Thompson-Ainsworth, serves as project manager and brand strategist; she said the project connects her background in fashion retail, marketing, and project management with her creative passion for serving the community.

Community Benefits and Support for Local Small Businesses

Spending at Late Checkout flows to Glenwood community programs. Carr explained that Glenwood Together operates a nonprofit community center in the neighborhood, offering after-school programs, summer camps, family empowerment activities, and critical resources for homeless and marginalized adults and their families. She said Late Checkout extends the organization's youth leadership program into real vocational skill-building and job opportunities.

Supporting small businesses is also part of the store's mission. One wall inside features a row of booths rented specifically to local artists and small business owners to sell jewelry, handicrafts, and more to students and other customers. Together, the thrift store, coffee bar, and booths form a gathering space where students and long-time residents can shop affordably, support local entrepreneurs, and connect with the Glenwood community. Carr said they want to create a warm atmosphere where both thrifters and community residents feel they belong.

Annual Cram & Scram $1 Sale Continues the Tradition

For years, students have refreshed their wardrobes or dorm decor at the annual Cram & Scram event. This year's event is set for October 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Cone Ballroom at the EUC, open to the public, with all kinds of gently used items priced at a flat $1, payable in cash or by card. The Late Checkout team will be on hand to distribute coupons and introduce the new store, and Littlefoot Matcha will also provide drinks on site. Late Checkout plans to continue holding such $1 promotions throughout the year, carrying on the tradition.

Source: Late Checkout Thrift Connects UNCG Students and the Glenwood Community · Originally published 2026-10-06