Have you ‘Bin There’ yet?

Like other “bin style” stores, Justin Rockwell’s store uses a pricing system that lowers prices daily each week. 

By Rich Wicks | Panora Times

Bin There is the name of a new store in Panora that combines the fun of “treasure hunting” with the environmentally friendly slogan of “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Owner Justin Rockwell explained how his business came to be.

“My wife, Brandi, started buying and selling online, with Old Soul Millennial, and her business online grew and grew so much that we needed more space. So, she opened in a location in town, and there was still an overflow of product and nowhere to keep it. People donate stuff to us, and we don’t like to tell anybody no,” Rockwell said. “Then, I had the idea of having a bin-style store, so here I am.”

Rockwell noted that the generosity of the community has been impressive, proving that there is a large supply of items that do not yet need to be discarded.

“I’d say 90 to 95% of the items are donated,” Rockwell said. “It gives the locals somewhere to donate stuff, and then it gives the locals somewhere to find affordable things. And, it keeps things out of the landfill.”

Rockwell’s store is located at 111 E. Main in Panora, next to The Color Nook. When weather conditions allow, some items are placed outside along the sidewalk.

“We’re open Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as of now,” Rockwell said. 

Like other “bin style” stores, Rockwell’s store uses a pricing system that lowers prices daily each week. On Wednesday, all items are $4, then $3 on Thursdays, $2 on Fridays, and $1 on Saturdays. Because of this, customers sometimes play a “waiting game” hoping that a certain item will still be available later in the week. Rockwell said that is part of the fun built into the pricing schedule. 

“You’re rummaging through a bin, just kind of digging for treasure. That’s all part of the game. Sometimes it’s ‘you snooze, you lose,’ ” Rockwell said.

Rockwell occasionally offers additional sales, such as a recent “everything is $1” sale to celebrate reaching 500 followers on the Bin There Facebook page. Rockwell said the store’s Facebook page is the best place to keep up on any sales or special events.

Housewares and clothing comprise the majority of the store’s inventory. Rockwell is glad to be able to provide quality items at affordable prices. He pointed out that many children’s items (clothing, toys, furniture) are in nearly new condition but are available simply because a child outgrew them, and he knows some families operate on a tight budget.

Rockwell strives for quick turnover of his inventory, so items that have not been promptly sold are donated and/or recycled, as able. 

“Some people say this is like a year-round indoor garage sale, and I say ‘absolutely.’ I have no problem with people thinking of it that way,” Rockwell said. n