09/09/2026
"I furnished my apartment without spending a fortune!"💸💸💸
The Used-a-Bit Shoppe in Riverwalk Mall is a Northfield treasure, run by a dedicated crew of FiftyNorth volunteers, like Gail, who love giving good items a second life.
After 20 years away from Minnesota, Gail decided it was time to come back. But where would she land? 🤔. She had family in Northfield and Minneapolis. Her son suggested that she take a tour of FiftyNorth to get a feel for Northfield's vibrant 50+ community. She took the tour and 💥 BOOM. 💥She knew she'd found her place.
Gail downsized a ton and arrived in town with a bed, a TV, and a laptop.🛏️📺💻
Her first stop was Used-a-Bit. She found just about everything, including the little things that make a house feel like home.🏠
One day at the store, Gail mentioned to the person behind the counter that she'd just paid $6 for an extension cord at Menards ... only to discover the EXACT same thing at Used-A-Bit for $1. 😳
Deb, the assistant manager, was that person and immediately saw an opportunity. Gail loved the store, was a regular customer, and had the perfect personality for the front counter. "Would you like to volunteer here?" she asked.
Gail didn't hesitate and, just like that, she found what every person new to town hopes for:
✅ New friends
✅ A fun "job" where every day is different
✅ A meaningful way to volunteer and give back to the community
"I only knew my son and grandson when I moved here," Gail says. "Now I get to talk with everyone, from locals discovering us for the first time, to the international students from the colleges, to the regulars who stop by just to chat. I love it!"
Stop by and say hello to Gail 👋at the register. She'll brighten your day and might even save you a trip to Menards. 😉
📸Gail Lewis,😊, as always!
🛍️ Used-A-Bit Shoppe
📍 624 Water Street, Northfield
🕒 Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
📞 507-645-1399