We have been forced to pause the opening of 3L Thrift Store due to unexpected building issues that are not financially possible to remediate at this time. As we work to find an alternative solution for 3L Thrift Store, we are LIQUIDATING INVENTORY!!!
Text Noel Smith at 614-929-8512 to schedule an appointment to treasure hunt!
We appreciate fair offers as we work to cover ongoing costs.
Thanks for your support!
Our Story
Several months ago, we were in a tight spot and needed extra income to cover preschool costs for our two oldest children. After a difficult pregnancy, months of bedrest, and a long unpaid maternity leave, we needed to get creative. It happened to be garage sale season, and we had an unusual idea. We could collect unwanted items from the community before they were donated and try reselling them ourselves.
What began as a simple plan for a weekend garage sale quickly grew into something much bigger. Donations from friends and family poured in so generously that it took nearly three months just to sort through everything. Somewhere in the middle of that whirlwind, a new idea took shape. Instead of hosting one garage sale, why not open a thrift store?
3L Thrift Store is named after our three children, who are the real motivation behind everything we do. This store goes beyond selling goods; it is rooted in legacy. We are building stability for our family, creating something meaningful for our community, and teaching our kids the value of hard work, gratitude, and generosity.
Our Family
Meet the local family behind 3L Thrift Store. No corporate ladders or fancy titles here. Just real people juggling kids, too much laundry, and a store full of secondhand treasures for the community we call home.
Dustin Smith
The Husband
Dustin is the muscle of the operation and the guy who can fix anything. He works full time as a robotics technician, yet still finds time to be the world’s best dad and designated lifter of all heavy things at the thrift store.
Somehow, after ten years of chaos, he’s still smiling, nodding, and building whatever crazy idea his wife dreams up next.
Noel Smith
The Wife
Noel is the innovator behind the operation. A full-time mom and lifelong dream-chaser, she’s made a habit of turning wild ideas into real adventures. Noel has worked on cruise ships, sold real estate, backpacked across Italy, and taught piano lessons for ten years.
She’s passionate about making a difference in the world and finding joy in helping others, which keeps Dustin perpetually busy!
Lincoln, Lyla & Lainey
The Kids
Our real life 3L's and the inspiration behind it all. You may find them zipping through the isles, negotiating snacks, and keeping everyone laughing!
The may not handle payroll or inventory (yet) but they are learning how to dream big, work hard, and help others.
Our Mission
Mission Summary
We are dedicated to making a positive community impact through affordable shopping, sustainability, and service. Our mission is to provide quality goods at low prices, reduce waste through reuse and repurposing, and create a trusted community hub that offers outreach, learning opportunities, and creative initiatives.
Heart & Purpose
This store is a living reflection of our hearts committed to building a better world. Every choice pushes back against waste, greed, and disconnection.
Sustainability & Stewardship
We believe in giving things a second life. Recycling, repurposing, and salvaging honor the earth and the creatures we share it with. We live frugally and resourcefully, knowing every choice ripples beyond ourselves, influencing unseen connections that link all life. We encourage others to find joy in giving things new life and to embrace the belief that less is more.
Community & Compassion
We believe we are stronger together and that community matters. Our store supports neighbors who have been overlooked, offering a welcoming space for the poor, sick, elderly, disabled, marginalized, single parents, orphaned children, refugees, and anyone who has ever been told they don’t belong. Empathy guides every interaction, and every conversation is a chance to listen and show kindness.
Accessibility & Affordability
Everyone should have access to quality, sustainable goods. Fair pricing allows all community members to participate and feel included. Affordability is part of how we practice generosity and care for our neighbors.
Equity & Inclusion
We stand firmly against discrimination in all forms. There is no room here for racism, fascism, misogyny, bigotry, homophobia, harassment, or violence toward anyone based on their race, color, beliefs, orientation, or disabilities. Everyone who enters our doors is treated with dignity, respect, and care, not just to meet a standard but because it reflects who we are.
Integrity Over Wealth
This business is built on purpose, focused on creating a neighborhood space that leaves a legacy of generosity rather than chasing the excessive wealth of billion-dollar corporations. We value fair wages, family balance, and generosity.
Education & Growth
We believe education is the key to change. We aim to offer hands-on programs that spark creativity and teach resourcefulness, where participants can weave shirts into rugs, turn scraps into instruments, or transform fabric into quilts. We honor the responsibility of helping the next generation grow into more sustainable and generous humans.