Carrie’s Corner

Where: 154 E. Washington St.

Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday

Phone: 504-2744

Without apology, Carrie Shields admits she’s a “junk store junkie” so what better way to fulfill her passion than to open her own thrift shop and clean out her storage areas and the households she and her husband John merged in February.

Barely a week ago Shields opened Carrie’s Corner, converting the former greasy and grimy Texaco station at 154 E. Washington St. into a bright and airy carpeted space for her bargain finds.

Shields, gregarious by nature, enjoys telling how she frugally furnished the shop with Rite Aide cast-offs and second-hand items from Around Again.

“I’ve never owned a thrift shop before but I’ve always collected and ‘dumpster-dived’ some,” Shields said. “We saw the building was empty and ‘Carrie’s Corner’ just popped into my head.”

Although she expects her inventory to increase everyday, Shields said she wants to put the store together methodically so it’s neat and not a jumbled mass — and that all takes time with unpacking and pricing.

So far she has some Christmas items — “I could fill the whole place with what I’ve got,” she laughed — plus knick knacks, small appliances, toys, pet items, lamps, sporting goods, occasional chairs, chests, tables and some clothing.

Her husband has set up a “Guys’ Corner” with new vehicle parts and accessories at second-hand prices. Accenting the high white rear walls are charcoal drawings and acrylics for sale by Sequim artist Jerry Owie and near the register is handcrafted jewelry by Kaylee Duncan.

M&M lovers will want to browse through her accumulation of collectible tins, many in mint condition and still sealed.

“My husband and I have been working very hard to turn this old gas station into a ‘down-home unique’ little thrift store. We want you to feel welcome and enjoy your shopping experience.”

Toward that end, Shields has set up the former office as a lounge, with a comfy sofa, TV and free coffee and cookies, plus a play area for children while Mom and Dad shop.

Carrie’s Corner is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through November but will cut back in December to just weekends so she can participate in her other favorite job — being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.

“Christmas isn’t Christmas without bells,” Shields said, grinning.

The store will take donations and consignments upon approval with a contract and will pick up and deliver.

For more information, call 504-2744.