Clearwater's Most Quirky - and Cheap! - Thrift Shop - PAAWS, Dunedin, Florida

They don't open their doors until 11:00 A.M., seven days a week. They're located in a tiny storefront that once housed a Chinese take out joint. There must be at least a thousand items stuffed into the two rooms which comprise PAAWS, and it will take you at least half a day to sort through at least a fourth of that inventory. They're situated next to a huge 'junk' store called the Thrift Station: a converted garage which reeks of dust, mold and fairly high-priced 'collectibles', banged-up appliances and a poor ventilation system.

They don't take credit cards, only cash and local personal checks with identification. In an area overrun with thrift, consignment and 'junk' stores, though, PAAWS stands out for its incredible values and stock.

PAAWS is the acronym for People Aware of Animal Welfare and Safety, Inc., and is located at 1432 Main Street in Dunedin, Florida. Their telephone number is 727-686-4245. Their store motto is "Good quality for a good price for a great cause!" All proceeds from the store's sales benefit two local animal causes: one a no-kill shelter, the other the county's local Humane Society.

If it's still there, the first thing you'll notice when you enter the door is a large concrete bird bath complete with a Greek maiden holding a jug of water. Somewhere nearby, you'll find the 6' stuffed plush dog resting on a table or the floor. Way in the back is the register/counter, where the shop's manager, Mary, holds court. Back by the counter you'll find literally hundreds of pieces of jewelry, much of it costume, much of it vintage, as well as commemorative spoons, pins, watches, all of those 'small' items that stores like to keep under lock and key. Hanging on the wall by the counter is a woman's vest, covered in jewelry. There must be at least sixty pieces neatly attached.

The store has a section of clothing specifically labeled 'Vintage'. PAAWS apparently defines vintage as anything that looks old. You might want to do a quick look-see through the Vintage rack to see if you can find anything there truly vintage and in decent condition, but before you do, you'll want to ask Mary about her 'specials'.

On my last couple of visits there, she's been running a 'clothing special'. That translated into all blouses and sweaer for the princely sum of $1.00 each. I snatched up five like-new - and two still with tags! - 100% silk blouses. Jeans and skirts were $2.00 each. (I grabbed two pair of Chico's Platinum jeans there!) For the sum of $2.00 and $1.00, you can't even begin to buy the FABRIC for much of the blouses, skirts and jeans at that price. Plus, Mary is constantly restocking her inventory. There were designer dresses for $3.00 each. (I bought a Donna Riccio dress, gray, brand new with price tags of $59, for $3.00. Riccio's sportswear line is sold at Nordstrom's, Lord & Taylor and other higher-end department stores.)

Mary is also open to negotiation about an item, particularly clothing, as the store is literally crammed to the rafters with things she'd much rather sell than not. She's quite laid back and honestly doesn't mind if you spend an hour or four hours browsing through her treasure trove; she welcomes the company.

The 'main' room is filled with racks and rack of clothing as well as furniture and odd-ball finds: home decor pieces from the '50's and '60's sit idly next to an amateur water painting, for instance. There's a pin ball machine wedged next to an old Singer sewing machine. A very cool, very 'Florida' bamboo five-piece dining table set in great condition has its price tag of $150 crossed out and 'SOLD' written over it, waiting to be picked up.

I think the real treasures lie in the tiny back room, however, especially if you know what you're looking at and for. There must be a couple hundred ancient books back there. There are first editions and signed copies carefully bagged in Ziplock bags and labeled. Boxes of 45 rpm share space with footballs, authentic Army dress uniforms, a child's crib and strollers. Conditions on PAAWS' items range from brand new to used to broken to true vintage finds; you honestly never know what you'll find, as long as you have the fortitude to keep looking.

Why would I recommend PAAWS' thrift shop over the dozens and dozens of similar ones located in Clearwater and its suburbs? To me, it's what a real, genuine 'thrift store' was meant to be: good prices, often ones that can be negotiated to great prices, with an ever-changing inventory of all kinds of things with value to just about everyone, in an atmosphere that practically screams out 'Hi there! Come on in, take your time, look around and see what you can find!'