“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is not just a cliche, it’s a fortunate dynamic for those whose livelihoods and missions are built around selling second-hand stuff. Used merchandise was once pretty much limited to hipsters in funky neighborhoods. Today, it’s gone mainstream, particularly among younger millennials and I-Gen-ers, who have turned a cottage industry into a major retail sector.

Charlotte Smith is owner of Pop Shop Records, a locally owned record store in the heart of Mid City. Pop Shop Records stocks vinyl records from a variety of genres, including vintage albums and new releases, but Pop Shop Records isn’t just a record store; it’s also a music outlet, cultural hub and live performance venue. Charlotte bought the store—then called Atomic Pop Shop—in early 2018 as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to own a record store. 

Brian Sleeth is Executive Director of the Christian Outreach Center of Baton Rouge, which operates the Purple Cow, a thrift store that sells a variety of gently used merchandise, including mens’, women and childrens’ clothing, furniture, housewares, books, videos and vinyl records. 

The Purple Cow has two locations in Baton Rouge, both of which support the Christian Outreach Center, which is a homeless prevention ministry helping people in need primarily in the downtown Baton Rouge area towards self sufficiency. 

Photos over lunch at Mansurs on the Boulevard.