Boutique History

Our namesake, Mary Durham, was an activist devoted to helping those who faced economic and social hardships. Mary taught English as a second language, counseled young people, and strove to help people grow in the ways they wanted to develop. In 1990, at the age of 90, she developed a plan and raised funds to create the Department of Spiritual Care at Cayuga Medical Center. The following year, the Ithaca Sunrise Rotary Club recognized her work and named her a Paul Harris Fellow for "service above self."

The Women's Opportunity Center is fortunate that her children have followed her example. When Mary passed away, she left her home in downtown Ithaca to her children. They, in turn, chose to donate the house to the Women's Opportunity Center, an organization that continues to carry out some of their mother's dreams and ambitions. We are privileged to have the opportunity to expand our services, and we express our deepest appreciation to the Durham Family for their generosity.

 
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Retail Training Program

Our Retail Training Program is On-the-Job training designed to help women with limited work experience gain the skills necessary to find employment. Participants can learn administrative experience at the Women's Opportunity Center and retail experience at the Mary Durham Boutique. The Boutique is the Women's Opportunity Center's nonprofit, gently used women's clothing shop. Participants may be eligible to receive a small stipend after six weeks of practical training.

The Retail Training Program includes:

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  • Hands-On Retail Experience

  • Customer Service Training

  • Administrative Experience including Office and Computer Skills

  • Register Training using QuickBooks Point of Sale

  • Computer Classes

  • Resume/Cover Letter Assistance

  • Job Search Assistance

  • Marketing and Inventory Skills

 
 

Mary Durham Boutique 110 W. Court St.
Ithaca, NY 14850

(607) 256-9957

Spring/Summer HOURS:

Sunday & Monday Closed

Tuesday & Friday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM

Fall/Winter Hours:

Sunday & Monday Closed

Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM


Donate to the Boutique

Donations are accepted daily.  We are currently accepting gently used clothing and accessories from the past five years free of rips, stains, tears, or odors. Please fill out a receipt before donating.  Donation receipts can be downloaded from the website or picked up from Mary Durham or WOC. Donations can be dropped off at either the Boutique or the Ithaca WOC office (address here).

Monetary donations are used to support all of the WOC's programs, including the Mary Durham Boutique. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please visit our donate page.

MDB Cares

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MDB Cares ~

Threads of Change

Welcome to our vibrant world of eco-fashion! Join us on a stylish journey where fun meets sustainability. Let's dress boldly, live courageously, and change the world, one eco-friendly outfit at a time!

Welcome to Mary Durham Boutique, where we believe in fashion with a purpose! Let's dive into the wonderful world of eco-friendly fashion and explore why it's not just about looking good; it's about feeling good too.

At MDB, we understand the importance of confidence for women. That's why we offer a wide selection of gently loved fashion pieces that not only boost your confidence but also won't break the bank. By choosing pre-loved items, you're not only saving money but also contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.

But why exactly should you opt for eco-friendly fashion? Well, let's break it down.

First off, buying secondhand clothing promotes sustainable fashion practices. It's a crucial step in the slow fashion movement, which encourages us to be more mindful of our clothing choices. By giving pre-loved garments a new life, we're reducing the demand for new production and minimizing our environmental footprint.

And let's talk about uniqueness! When you shop secondhand, you're bound to find one-of-a-kind pieces that you won't see anyone else wearing. Vintage finds? Check. Rare gems? Double check. Embrace your individuality and stand out from the crowd with our curated selection of pre-loved treasures.

But it's not just about style; it's about making a positive impact on the planet. By choosing secondhand over fast fashion, you're helping to combat the throwaway culture that's so prevalent in today's society. You're saying no to excessive waste and yes to a more sustainable future.

And the benefits don't stop there. Buying secondhand clothing also supports ethical fashion practices. It's a way to stand in solidarity with garment workers worldwide and advocate for fair wages and safe working conditions. Every purchase you make sends a powerful message to the fashion industry: we demand transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

But don't just take our word for it. The secondhand fashion market is booming, with more and more consumers embracing the thrill of the hunt and the joy of sustainable shopping. From affordability to sustainability to exclusivity, there's something for everyone in the world of eco-friendly fashion.

So why wait? Join us at Mary Durham Boutique and embark on a fashion journey that's as bold and courageous as you are. Together, let's make a difference, one stylish outfit at a time.

DONATE NOW