Barnish Bargain Bin and More offers a wide array of resale items

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

When an opportunity arises and the timing is right – go with it.

That’s why John and Trisha Barnish came up with a plan.

The husband and wife business owners opened up a resale store in Charles City last week that carries a variety of items ranging from  name-brand clothing to new and used shoes to Tupperware.

There’s a vast assortment of other items that can be purchased as well at Barnish Bargain Bin & More, located at 1005 5th St.

“It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for years,” said Trisha. “We just never had the opportunity because life happens.”

The Barnishes initially bought the building and property for two semi-tractor trailers they own. The parking lot was used to park John’s semis and the brick-and-mortar structure on the land was used as office space. The building used to be a maintenance storage space for MidAmerican windmills and prior to that the property was where Charles City Glass ran its business.

John and Trisha bought the building almost a year ago.

“It took us this long to get here,” said John. “This was a family project.”

Trisha said business has been good.

“They keep making me shelves and I keep filling them before they’re completely done,” said Trisha.

Trisha said at least 90 percent of the clothes she carries is new. In addition to men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, there are gardening items, kitchenware, decorative pieces and a hotchpotch of knickknacks – all at low prices.

“If it comes to you reasonable, then turn and sell it reasonable,” said John. “The idea was to buy stuff and turn around and sell it reasonable so everybody in the community could come in and buy something.”

Trisha has her side of the store and John has his.

If you’re looking to buy or sell vintage plastic models, John’s section of the store may be just what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a submarine, airplane, race car or helicopter, he carries in stock many models and there could be more on the way. He is in talks with a distributor to stock the store with more current paint models. Many of the model kits are from the 60s all the way up into the 90s and are from John’s personal collection.

“The hobby part has always been something that I’ve always wanted to give it a whirl,” said John.

The resale store also has a healthy supply of kites for flying enthusiasts.

“If someone tells you to go fly a kite, send ’em our way,” John laughed.

Trisha said the store just opened its doors and there will be all sorts of new products that she and John will keep in stock.

“We would like to grow, but it’s going to be awhile. You have to start somewhere,” said Trisha. “We’re not going to overwhelm ourselves. It’s going to be a slow process.”

The store opened on July 1. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday the doors are open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.