Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Jill Sperling

Insurance Changes

Kamloops thrift store to stop selling children’s items due to change in insurance

Mar 13, 2020 | 11:13 AM

KAMLOOPS — Thrift store shoppers will soon see a noticeable absence of children’s clothing and toys on the shelves.

According to the owner of Second Chance Thrift Store, Bonnie McBride, the store has been unable to obtain any liability insurance for second-hand children’s items and has no other option but to stop selling them.

“We found out last year that this was probably coming along down the pipe and now we’re ready to renew our insurance,” McBride said. “So we might be the first ones in town that have been caught up in this, but basically, the underwriter for most of the insurance across North America, which is Lloyd’s of London has decided they’re no longer going to insure the sale of second-hand children’s items.”

The decision is disappointing for McBride. However, she says the store will continue to accept donations in order to work with local non-profits and a textile recycler.

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Because the price point was low for these items, Second Chances Thrift Store will not see a big impact to its bottom line.

“Would we like to sell this stuff? Absolutely,” McBride said. “Does it bring people into the store? Absolutely. Would it be best for us if we could sell it? Yes. I think that for a lot of people though, it’s not as much about how it affects us, it’s going to have a significant impact on families.”