Bloomin’ Deals

Operating a thrift shop has always been about community and at the heart of Junior League of New Orleans members. It dates back to 1927 when JLNO first opened a store on Royal Street and continued after moving to Freret Street in 1960. This persistence is a testament to our members’ leadership, diligence, and commitment to others.

While we have closed our thrift shop location, we remain committed to continuing the legacy of Bloomin’ Deals as a signature JLNO program to serve and better the Greater New Orleans area. The Bloomin’ Deals Legacy Project was born out of a comprehensive evaluation process and is comprised of new partnerships with three local programs — SWAP, Dress for Success, and the Youth Empowerment Project. Partnerships with these programs will work together to fill the needs left by the sale and shuttering of the thrift store while still marking a path forward for Bloomin’ Deals. Fortuitously, all three programs were founded and/or are run by women.


Bloomin’ Deals Legacy Project Partners

Swap

Swap is a carefully-curated consignment boutique with multiple locations. Customers (League and non-League members) can bring their items for consignment to Swap and designate all or a portion of sales to JLNO. Additionally, SWAP will donate 10% of its own profit from those sales to JLNO.

Where to donate: 5530 Magazine Street or 7716 Maple Street

What to donate: High end/designer brands like Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer, BCBG, etc.

How to donate: Make an appointment via phone or online to bring your items in during business hours. An employee from Swap will inspect each item and determine which are most likely to sell. You may keep any items that Swap does not accept or donate them to our other partners for money to mission credit. Members receive 40-50% commission on items sold in the store. Swap donates 10% of their commission to JLNO.

Swap maintains a list of JLNO donations and reports that data monthly.

Youth Empowerment Project (YEP)

Youth Empowerment Project is a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth improve their lives and the lives of others. As per their mission statement, “YEP engages underserved young people through community-based education, mentoring, employment readiness and enrichment programs to help them develop skills and strengthen ties to family and community.”

One of these educational programs is Thrift Works, YEP’s thrift store where youth gain real-world customer service, point of sale, and inventory management experience in a vibrant retail environment.

Where to donate: 1626 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd

What to donate: Gently used items such as shirts/blouses, suits, dresses, pants/jeans, shoes, purses, belts, sporting wear, housewares, books, CDs, and DVDs.

How to donate: Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm

Members’ donations to YEP will count towards money to mission credit. Members that bring their donations directly to YEP’s Thrift Works location will also receive a volunteer credit.

COVID-19 Update: Accepting donations Monday – Friday, 10 am to 1 pm.

Dress For Success New Orleans

Dress for Success New Orleans is a nonprofit that empowers women to become leaders. According to their goals, “The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

Where to donate: 1700 Josephine Street #101

What to donate: Clean/laundered suits and other professional apparel suitable for interviews. All clothing donations must be on hangers or neatly folded. They cannot accept clothing donations in garbage bags or boxes.

How to donate: Donations are accepted every Friday from 11am-2pm, and one Saturday each month from 11am-2pm. Donation entrance is through the parking lot.

Members’ donations to Dress for Success New Orleans will count towards money to mission credit. Members that bring their donations directly to the Dress for Success New Orleans location will also receive a volunteer credit.

COVID-19 Update: Please call before donating due to COVID Restrictions and limited hours of operation.