SLO-cals are awaiting the return of Fred & Bettie’s
It’s 2013. People are wearing peter pan collars and Adidas superstars as they talk about Miley Cyrus’s controversial MTV performance with Robin Thicke. It’s also the year when Fred and Betty’s opened their store in San Luis Obispo.
Students and community members alike have been allowed to pick up unique pieces for a low price for the past seven years at Fred and Betty’s. On their website, their mission is to “further the education given to the children of SLO Classical Academy and offer an excellent and affordable shopping experience to SLO residents. We provide a fun and creative resale outlet with the intention to better our community, our school, and ultimately … our world.”
Senior business major Haley Beahm has been going to Fred and Betty’s since her second year of college.
“I first started going because it was an easy and cheap place to get clothes for different frat party themes, but as I kept going, I kept finding more cute clothes. Soon, I found myself going there when I wanted new clothes,” said Beahm.
Fred and Betty’s has also allowed students to shop more sustainably and eliminate fast fashion. By shopping second hand, it reduces the carbon footprint made by humans. This is a reason why environmental management and protection sophomore Kalea Conrad first started to shop at the thrift store.
“Throughout high school, I tried to be as environmentally conscious as possible. When I found out about Fred and Betty’s, and how it was only a short walk from the bus stop downtown, I was really excited,” said Conrad. “Stepping into the store — it reminded me of a thrift store in my hometown, so it felt like a small piece of home while away for college.”
Due to the Coronavirus, many businesses have been having a hard time staying open because of the extra precautions they needed to take to ensure they keep a safe and clean environment. Stores like Fiore and The Sock Drawer have had to close due the pandemic and Fred and Betty’s, too, has also felt the effects on their business.
Fred and Betty’s announced that they would be temporarily closing their doors until further notice to keep their staff and community safe via instagram mid March.
Many comments on their Instagram post showed support for their decision. However, some recent ones are asking when they will be reopening, especially when other thrift stores, like Mission Thrift SLO or United Voluntary Services Thrift Store, have been able to be open with strict rules.
“I hope they reopen soon. I feel like Fred and Betty’s is one of the better thrift stores in San Luis Obispo. It would suck if they decide to close their doors, especially [considering] most of the stores downtown are pretty expensive,” said Conrad.
Fred and Betty’s recently announced that they are working hard to create a safe environment so they can reopen. They’ll be announcing their official reopen dates and information later on.
“I was excited when I heard the announcement that they were in the works to reopen. Hopefully, they’re open before Halloween so I can make my own costume with thrifted pieces as I’ve done in years past. No matter when it finally opens, I will be one of the first people to go into the store. I guarantee it,” said Beahm.
I attempted to reach out to Fred and Betty’s for a comment but they did not respond
