RANCHO SANTA FE — The holidays are on the way. Meeting those shopping expectations is the longstanding nonprofit, The Country Friends, at their resale shop in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe.
The two-story building is a haven for shoppers, affording buyers an array of items and gifts perfect for the holiday season.
Shop manager Yvette Letourneau said their store offers adorable treasures from local residents.
“There’s always a great find,” she said. “From sterling silver to crystal to even Christmas home accessories that are super unique.”
Letourneau wants everyone to know that their items are in great condition punctuated by great price tags. Above all, when people shop at The Country Friends they know the dollars they spend are filtered to one of their many charities.
During this upcoming festive season, shopping at The Country Friends is a pure act of giving since it makes a difference to so many lives.
Likewise, being able to shop in the Village is a nice respite from hustle and bustle of mall activity.
Letourneau went on to say there are still traditional shoppers that like to purchase something that has already been someone else’s treasure. That remains the intrigue for their store.
“Shoppers pass on their purchase to a really good friend or a family member and there is a story behind the gift,” said Letourneau, adding how The Country Friends has been in existence since 1954.
The store offers more than gifts — it’s a great destination to those entertaining for the holidays.
“People come in here looking for that perfect punchbowl, stemware, sterling silver flatware, serving trays, and more,” she said. “And if you’re going to a party we have great hostess gifts.”
Letourneau said the most sought after is their crystal and sterling silver items because they are in pristine condition.
“We don’t accept anything with chips or breaks and we try to take in full sets, without any missing pieces,” she said.
At The Country Friends, inventory is always changing. Letourneau’s advice is if one sees something that catches their eye — do buy it, because the next time they come in for a visit it may be gone.
They get new items every single week.
The Country Friends also offers their special version of a “wish list.” If someone visits the shop looking for a particular piece of crystal, serving set, rug, or decorative item, they’ll be alerted if it comes through their doors.
And it wouldn’t be the holidays without the seasonal decor. The decorative ornaments in stock are showstoppers.
Letourneau explained she has some consignors who like to change the theme of their annual Christmas trees so they have some fantastic pieces always filtering through their doors.
“Come in, because they do not last long,” she said.
Letourneau invites everyone to stop by and browse around for the holidays. In fact, many get decorating ideas when they do.
To learn more about the shop hours and items at The Country Friends, visit thecountryfriends.org or call (858) 756-1192.
