Darien Community Association Teams Up with Harvard Business School Community Partners to Strengthen the DCA Thrift Shop
The Darien Community Association (DCA) and Harvard Business School Community Partners are joining forces to ensure the continued success of the beloved DCA Thrift Shop. As the shop approaches its 100th anniversary, this initiative aims to strengthen its role as a key revenue driver and equip it to serve the community for generations to come.
A vital part of Darien since its founding, the DCA Thrift Shop provides affordable shopping, supports local families, and generates funds for community programs. Through this initiative, the shop is embracing a forward-thinking approach—aligning with broader sustainability trends and ensuring its brand identity, operational efficiency, and integration with the DCA’s mission remain robust in today’s evolving retail landscape.
“At a time when people are more conscious of sustainability and community-driven businesses, it’s the perfect opportunity to assess how we can make the DCA Thrift Shop even better,” said Debra Danile, manager of the DCA Thrift Shop. “We want to continue to meet the needs of our shoppers, donors, and volunteers.”
To guide this effort, the DCA and Harvard Business School Community Partners will gather community input through a survey, data analysis, and focus groups. “The DCA Thrift Shop is already a success story, and we’re excited to help shape its next chapter,” said Angela Piscitello, from Harvard Business School Community Partners. “By listening to the community first and foremost, then applying best practices, we will build a strategy that sustains revenue, boosts volunteer engagement, and aligns with the DCA’s broader community programs.”
Community members are invited to share their thoughts by taking our survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RNVX3XV by March 31. This survey takes about 5-7 minutes. At the end, you can enter our raffle for a $200 DCA Thrift Shop Gift Certificate. Your feedback will help shape the future of the DCA Thrift Shop!
For more information, visit www.DarienDCA.org or email us at info@dariendca.org.