Everyone can find their own personal "unique piece"

Friederike Schulz from Aargau is the manager of the new ‘Einzelstück Brocki’ Brockenstube in Steinhausen. Despite the corona pandemic, she is hoping for a stable business situation.

A new Brockenstube (second-hand store/thrift shop) has opened in Steinhausen this month: the ‘Einzelstück Brocki’ (unique piece thrift shop) at Chollerstrasse 23. The 37-year-old manager, Friederike Schulz from Aargau is fulfilling a long-awaited dream. "Customers are happy that there is a ‘Brocki’ here again, and rave about the bright and lovingly furnished shop," says Friederike Schulz. In these difficult times of the corona virus in particular, many people are happy to be able to buy some things more cheaply. "I have everything - from everyday objects, new sportswear, antiques and rarities up to a creative corner," says the former real estate management assistant. Families and collectors alike can find interesting products here. "For about twelve years, I’ve been going to flea markets, carrying out clearances and dreaming of my own Brocki." reveals the mother-of-two.

Friederike Schulz in her new ‘Einzelstück Brocki’ on the Chollerstrasse in Steinhausen.

She has new (second-hand!) goods in the store almost every day, in addition to a beautiful children's area with toys, puzzles and pencils: "In this way, parents or grandparents can look around, try things on and shop while the children are kept busy." She also offers completely new goods – at the moment, sportswear from the Skins brand.

A new lockdown would be bad for the owner
"I am aware that the time for the opening is not optimal, but I couldn’t put it off any longer," explains Schulz. The initial phase of a new opening is the most intensive and important part. Some customers are unsettled, of course, and the increasingly strict protection measures make it difficult for all small businesses. "A new lockdown at this time would be bad for me, because I don't have a second pillar as a support, or family members who could help me financially in an emergency," says Schulz. Nevertheless, she sees it as an opportunity to overcome this difficult time and then to go into the future strengthened by this. "I’m an optimistic person and I’m hoping for the best," says Schulz confidently.

She is currently working alone in The Brocki. "Except for carrying out clearances and decluttering, which I also offer - I have reliable helping hands for those," continued Friederike Schulz. She also offers a door-to-door service for products that are difficult to transport, as well as a van that can be rented and a cleaning service for removals. Complete, usable and well-preserved items are gladly accepted for sale. "We charge a fee for items that need to be disposed of," she adds. Her goal is to have two permanent employees in a year’s time, although that will depend on the development of the corona pandemic.

The opening hours of the Einzelstück Brocki are from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays from. More information can be found here.