Fighting Autism Through Retail: Behind the Counter at the Linwood Center Boutique

Title: Manager, Linwood Center Boutique

Fast fact: The store is part of the Linwood Center, an area non-profit that provides programs and services for children and adults living with Autism; funds from the store go toward the non-profit. The store offers a combination of donated and consignment items.

Staff fact: Much of the store’s sales staff consists of autistic adults.

On loving his job: It’s giving something back to the community. It’s a chance to do something for others…I enjoy running the business too, but I like working with autistic adults. You have to look at it like they are your kids.

On the store as a training ground: We are doing two things. We are giving them a way to earn money, and we are training them for future employment. That’s why we’re here—to teach them. They learn merchandising…We work with them on the cash register. We teach them soft skills like greeting people… My goal is for them to move on, and for them to progress so that when a future employer looks at them, they say ‘Yes.’ That’s gratification. Linwood’s motto is, ‘Everyone in the school and the program has something to offer.’

What’s the hardest part of your job?: You have to have patience. And you have to be prepared to repeat yourself a number of times.

What’s the most unusual item you’ve come across?: I just had someone donate a grandfather clock. We get some choice stuff here and we really keep the prices down low. We get real picky about what we take. When we get furniture we make sure it’s in good shape.

On returning business: The customers are amazing…There is a lot of repeat business. We have one gentleman who everyday comes in and buys something.