Holland's Ditto Upscale Retail contributes over $2M to local schools

Ditto Upscale Retail's sole mission is to contribute funding to offset tuition costs for all students attending Holland  Christian Schools and Zeeland Christian School. Since the resale shop's inception in 2004, the store has donated some $2 million, says Henry Dykema, one of Ditto's three managers.

Customers can spend hours looking over the store's 32,000-square-foot showroom of gently used furniture, lamps, home décor items, toys, electronics, year-round Christmas Corner and even the occasional stove or refrigerator. In addition, Ditto houses fashions for men, women and children sporting designer labels, which might include Aéropostale, Versace, Talbots or Chico's on any given day.

"We are upscale, which means everything is of good quality," Dykema says. "If there are any tears or stains in the clothing, we don't put it out, and the furniture has to all be in good condition. Right now, the proceeds from the store are supporting about 2,400 children."

Most clothing for adults is $4 per item, Dykema says, with the exception of the designer items which the store prices individually. Junior sizes run about $3, children's clothing is around $2 and infant togs are about a dollar each.

The shop moved to its current location (571 E. 8th St., Holland) from Waverly and 24th St. for more space and visibility. Dykema says that has paid off.

"Sometimes we might have as many as 50 customers in the store," he says.

Except for the three managers and a handful of high school students who work after school, Dykema says all the workers are volunteers, and all items except mattresses and box springs are donated. That leaves more money available for the schools.

Store hours are Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Source: Henry Dykema, Ditto Upscale Retail
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor