BEREA, Ohio — I’ve visited any number of vintage clothing shops over the years, but none nearly as inviting as The Thrifting Tree at 44 Bridge St.
Noah Mowery, the shop’s proprietor and a recent Baldwin Wallace University graduate, said the debut of his brick-and-mortar shop is the fulfillment of a dream he’s nurtured since middle school.
“The idea came from a mix of passion and purpose. I’ve always loved thrifting, not just for the unique fashion finds, but also for its sustainable impact,” he said.
Mowery, who graduated from BW in 2025 with a double major in Business Management and Human Resources Management, said he has been in the thrifting business since middle school in his hometown of Medina.
“I noticed the trend of dressing in vintage was becoming very popular online, so I began selling clothing on eBay. My middle school side hustle quickly became a full-time occupation for me in high school.”
Mowery later expanded his reach by leveraging Instagram. While studying at BW, he rebranded as The Thrifting Tree and launched his own e-commerce website.
As for the shop itself, “we focus on a wide range of styles, from vintage and Y2K to streetwear and casual everyday pieces.”
He describes his shop’s decor as “cozy and creative, with a mix of natural elements like repurposed wood shelving and dark green walls with thrifted artwork.”
“We want people to feel inspired when they walk in, like they’re stepping into a space where sustainability meets self-expression.”
Mowery said he aims to keep prices affordable, with most items falling in the $5 to $30 range, depending on the brand and condition.
“We also have some curated racks with higher-end vintage or designer pieces, but our goal is always to keep things budget-friendly and accessible.
Mowery later expanded his reach by leveraging Instagram. While studying at BW, he rebranded as The Thrifting Tree and launched his own e-commerce website.
The typical customer at The Thrifting Tree, he said, is a mix, and yes, BW students definitely make up a big part of his shoppers.
“We also get high school students, young professionals, and longtime residents from the Berea and Cleveland area.”
“Right now,” Mowery said, “we have a small team, just myself and three part-time employees, but we’re growing.”
“At the end of the day, The Thrifting Tree is about more than clothes,” he said.
“It’s about building a community around conscious consumerism and helping people feel good about what they wear and where it comes from.”
Business hours are 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. Closed Wednesday and Thursday.
Adult education: The Institute for Learning in Retirement at Baldwin Wallace University will host a “Meet the Teachers” open house from 1-3 p.m. on Nov. 11th at Southwest General’s Old Oak Center, 7575 Old Oak Blvd. in Middleburg Heights.
Attendees will get a sneak peek at upcoming courses as several ILR teachers give a mini-presentation about their topics.
The ILR Winter 2026 session includes nearly 40 courses on subjects ranging from history and science to art and current events.
ILR membership will also be available, and light refreshments will be served.
ILR is a community-based organization dedicated to lifelong learning through educational, social, and cultural opportunities for adults.
ILR members engage in thought-provoking courses, organized travel activities, and social events offered at a reasonable cost.
ILR Reach, a speakers bureau, offers one-hour, on-site presentations by experienced instructors for a modest fee.
ILR has been affiliated with Baldwin Wallace University since 1992. For more information on ILR activities, events, and membership, visit ilrbw.org.
Advance reservations are required for this free event. RSVP no later than Oct. 31st, by emailing your name, phone number, and email address, plus names and contact information for anyone attending with you, to ilrhelpdeskbwu@gmail.com, or call the ILR Help Desk at 440-826-3188.
Modernization: Interior renovation work is underway at the Berea Police Station, 17 Berea Commons.
James Brown, who is overseeing the project, called the updates “long overdue.”
Phase 1 includes upgrades to the kitchen, squad room, restrooms, and offices. Brown said the flooring will be replaced, new furniture will be installed, and the ceilings and walls will be painted.
There will also be upgrades to the station’s electrical system. Phase 1 should be completed by the end of 2025.
Phase 2 will include work on the station’s exterior, including upgrades to the sally port and the ADA ramp heading to the front entrance of City Hall.
The work is funded by a $250,000 grant from the Strategic Community Investment Fund, a one-time initiative supported by the Ohio Senate.
In the end, the project is designed to improve accessibility to the police station and City Hall, and to generally modernize the building.
Trick-or-treat: An Annual Trick-or-treat for Halloween will be from 12-1 p.m. on Oct. 26th at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church parking area, 276 East Bagley Road.
Community members are invited to take part by decorating their cars and/or passing out candy and treats.
Children should bring bags to collect the items.
Fall festival: Berea Methodist Women will host a Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 25th at the church, 170 Seminary St.
This event will feature crafters, vendors, gift baskets and a chili cafe. All proceeds will benefit Methodist Women’s missions.
SCAN Hunger Center Pantry: 398 W. Bagley Road, Williamsport Plaza, (440) 260-7226. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Friday of the month and 4-7 p.m. on the fourth Friday.
Kids Café: At the Cuyahoga County Library’s Brook Park branch, 6155 Engle Road. For students 18 and younger. In collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Hours are 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through May 29, 2026.
People’s Community Church Pantry: 628 Wesley Drive, 440) 234-0609. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of the month. The next pantry is on Oct. 18th.
Second Mile Outreach Pantry: 1480 Bagley Road, (440) 239-0549. It is open from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Food Pantry: 8888 Prospect Road. It is open from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month and provides fresh food, staples, and toiletries. The next pantry is Saturday and then on Nov. 8th.”
Bread Ministry: Berea United Methodist Church, 170 Seminary St., (440) 234-3525. Bread and pastries only. Noon – 2 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Go to the church addition on the north side of the church off Seminary. The pantry is through double brown doors.
Free Community Meal: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 E. Bagley Road, serves this meal twice a month, 5-5:30 p.m., on the second and last Wednesday of the month. It is drive-up only.
Pet Food Pantry: Animal Rescue Friends, 10015 E. River Road, Columbia Station, 10 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Sundays of every month. Visit www.bereaanimalrescue.com or call (440) 234-2034 for more information or to donate.
Free Community Meals are served at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 East Bagley Road, twice a month, from 5-5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday and last Wednesday of the month.
Meals on hold: Hot meals provided by Rise in Love at St. Adalbert Church have been suspended for the time being due to supply issues
An announcement will be made once meals are ready to resume.