Pick of the Litter Thrift Store Celebrates Grand Opening on Main Street

Main Street in downtown Front Royal gained a vibrant new neighbor this week as the Pick of the Litter Thrift Store celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce. The event marked the nonprofit store’s move from its former tucked-away location to a high-visibility spot at 113 East Main Street—right next to the Royal Cinemas.

The morning kicked off with a warm welcome from Bret Bement from Play Favorites, representing the Chamber, who praised the store’s mission and shared his excitement about what the move means for downtown businesses. The bright ceremonial ribbon, donated by Fussell Florist, was cut to cheers from a crowd that packed the store with eager shoppers.

“We’re so excited to have you here,” Bement told the crowd. “Not only are you helping our economy grow, but you’re doing real good for the community.”

Councilman Glenn Wood spoke on behalf of the Town of Front Royal, expressing appreciation for the store’s support of the local animal shelter. “This isn’t just another store downtown,” Wood said. “It’s a meaningful one. It brings more than commerce—it brings compassion.”

Warren County Supervisor Cheryl Cullers echoed those feelings, adding, “I loved this store when it was in the other location, and I love it even more here. If you care about animals, this is the place to shop.”

The store’s mission is simple but powerful. As part of the Humane Society of Warren County, Pick of the Litter is a nonprofit thrift store. All profits beyond operating costs go directly to support the shelter’s work with local animals in need.

Kayla Wines, Executive Director of the Humane Society, explained that the move was made possible with the help of fellow board member Martha Buracker, who helped secure the Main Street location when their previous lease ended.

“I’ve been wanting to bring us to Main Street for years,” Wines said. “This is such a visible, walkable, lively part of town—it just makes sense for a store with a cause like ours.”

Store Manager Jessie Moore described the new space as a much-needed upgrade. “We outgrew the old place really quickly,” she said. “We couldn’t accept nearly as many donations as we can now. This new space lets us serve the community better, and it gives us a chance to grow.”

The store accepts gently used donations much like a traditional thrift store, including clothing, housewares, décor, books, and more. Donations are accepted Tuesday through Saturday during business hours—Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While they welcome most items, there are a few exceptions. “We can’t accept mattresses, used underwear, large appliances like washers and dryers, or anything flammable like paint,” Moore noted. However, for items that aren’t a good fit for the store, she and her team make an effort to find a better home for them.

There’s even a convenient rear entrance for donation drop-offs, though a bin is available out front for quick stops. And all donations are tax-deductible, another plus for community members looking to give back.

Pick of the Litter originally opened three years ago, and this move marks the beginning of its fourth year in operation. The store’s expansion into the heart of downtown is already paying off. The ribbon-cutting event drew a large crowd, many of whom stuck around to browse and buy.

As foot traffic increases, Wines and Moore are hopeful that more people will learn about the Humane Society’s work and find new ways to support it.

“It’s never-ending at the shelter,” Wines said. “There’s always a need. And this store is one way the community can help.”

As shoppers streamed in and out of the store, filled with vintage treasures and secondhand finds, there was a clear sense that Pick of the Litter has found its perfect spot—right in the heart of Front Royal.