![Perusing the racks, junior Selma Rüttgers checks out a $1 sweater. After visiting ATC for the first time, Rüttgers was impressed with the dollar rack. “It was awesome because you can buy very cheap [clothing] there and it was fun to look at all the cool clothes,” Rüttgers said.](https://www.fsfreepressonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Russo-ATC-05.jpg)
For those familiar with the thrifting and second-hand shopping scene in downtown Lawrence, Arizona Trading Company [ATC] is usually a well-known spot. The store, one of three local storefronts under the same ownership with locations in Kansas City and Lawrence, has been serving the Lawrence community for the past 30 years.
In existence since week one of the store opening, the dollar rack has been a significant feature of the store. ATC employee Izzy Wills believes that it adds a reality of accessibility and a sense of community to the store at large.
“There are people who come in here a few times a week to check on the dollar rack, and they find some of their favorite pieces there,” Wills said.
The dollar rack, a favorite of community members at large, is also an attractant of the student community of Lawrence. The cost affordability and wild card nature of the rack is something sophomore Lillian Hethcoat has always appreciated.
“The most interesting thing I’ve gotten is this little red sweater that had embroidery all over it of flowers and little butterflies,” Hethcoat said. “It looks like something my grandma would make for me, and that’s almost the entire reason I got it”.
While you do get what you pay for, Hethcoat believes that the clothing for sale on the rack is never low-quality, and that there are gems to be found amongst the more basic clothing items available.
