A revitalized Waltham Clothing Exchange opens its 70th season

For decades, the Waltham Clothing Exchange opened for new seasons in September and February. 

However, its reopening this fall was not certain.

Long-time co-directors Joel and Susan Weddig worried they would have to shut down the Clothing Exchange — located at the rear of First Parish’s iconic white church building at 50 Church S. — because of a lack of volunteers. Meanwhile, donated and consigned goods kept piling up, placing a burden on the retired couple, who longed for more free time.

But then several regular exchange shoppers started volunteering (some because of coverage in The Waltham Times). When Joel asked whether anyone could take on an even larger role, Waltham residents and regular shoppers Kerry Sainato and Ronnie Marczewski stepped up to join the Weddigs as co-directors. 

Instead of closing permanently, the revitalized shop will open its doors on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The shop will be open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on three Saturdays this fall, scheduled to coordinate with the nearby Waltham Farmers’ Market.

Regarding the changes, “it happened very organically,” Sainato said. “We’re all doing the things that we’re good at.”

A spruced-up space

Over the summer, Clothing Exchange volunteers deep-cleaned the areas First Parish provides and reorganized the front room. Sainato estimated the reorganization cleared  15% to 20% more space.

The shop shares some rooms with other church programs. On weekends, the shop moves its racks out of spaces used by the Sunday School nursery.

“Everything is on wheels,” Marczewski pointed out.

With more people processing donations, the store  displays more goods including some previously in storage. 

The new co-directors manage the day-to-day, organizational aspects of the thrift shop, while the Weddigs, long-time First Parish members and Waltham residents, handle the finances. 

The Clothing Exchange is an auxiliary enterprise of First Parish, which typically received $4,000 to $5,000 annually from the shop. In 2025, the shop’s donation increased to $10,000. The co-directors attribute the increase to a growing interest in thrifting, sustainability and affordability. The Clothing Exchange’s impact aligns with First Parish’s interests in outreach to the community and sustainability, said Joel Weddig.

Getting Ready for the Opening

On a recent day, as the shop prepares for the season’s start, its maze of odd-shaped rooms and hallways swirled with activity. Volunteers moved among spaces filled with brightly colored clothing, housewares and more. 

Volunteers opened bags of donations accumulated over the summer. They evaluated, priced and hung items from jackets to shower curtains. Three volunteers from the Alpha Phi Omega coed fraternity at Bentley University leaned over a table, learning how to price shirts. Other longtime volunteers chatted while working.

The allure of the Clothing Exchange

Most, but not all, volunteers are members of First Parish. “We are just people who live in Waltham, who love the Clothing Exchange,” Sainato said of herself and Marczewski. “We met just last year as new volunteers and we work really well together. It’s great!”

The friendly atmosphere for the volunteers was a draw for Sainato. “They are really lovely folks who have been really fun to get to know and make little friendships with,” she said. 

Another perk for volunteers is the ability to buy items before they reach the store floor.

The volunteers appreciate the shoppers. “The customers are just lovely,” said Susan Knapp, a volunteer for three years. “To see someone pick something up and say, ‘It’s perfect!’ — it’s so rewarding, and it’s not going to go to a landfill.”

“Our customers are diverse,” said Joel Weddig, “from all economic levels and ethnic backgrounds.” 

In past seasons, artists shopped for fabrics for their work; one frequent shopper bought stacks of old magazines to cut up for collages. Some families purchased many bags of needed clothing and housewares but lacked transportation, and Weddig gave them lifts home.

The co-directors and volunteers are excited to reopen. “It’s a really great resource for the community, whether they are making a little extra money for themselves by selling their stuff or getting really, really great bargains on some wonderful things,” said Sainato. “I’m just really happy that it’s not closing, that we’re able to keep it going.” 

The Clothing Exchange collects both donated and consigned goods. Donations are accepted at the store on Tuesdays after 1 p.m. (email the store to drop off at another time). Consignors must visit the Clothing Exchange in the mornings when the store is open. 

The shop keeps prices low, with almost all items tagged at $15 or less. At the end of each season, the shop offers half-price and clearance sales. The Clothing Exchange provides extensive information online about shopping, donating and consigning.