Kiski Township storage company selling previously owned items from abandoned units

Previously owned contents from abandoned storage units are lining the shelves of a new store in Kiski Township.

OPS — Other People’s Stuff — opened May 1 at 2216 River Road.

The new store’s inventory is composed exclusively of left-behind items from rented storage units at Nellie-Joe’s Self-Storing Units, which is on the same grounds as OPS.

Claire and Ralph Corcetti of Oklahoma Borough, owners of Nellie-Joe’s, decided to open their own pseudo-thrift store after years of hauling items left behind to local thrift stores after customers failed to pay their rental fees.

“We came up with this idea to recoup some of the money we lose,” Claire Corcetti said. “We’re not here to make a million dollars, and I’m hoping that people less fortunate stumble in and find something cheaper than what it costs in the store.”

All items are priced to sell, with clothing starting at 50 cents.

The store is housed in what was formerly a lawn mower repair business.

The Corcettis said they always make a good-faith effort to contact the owners. But once a contract expires and a few months go by, they’re stuck with the possessions left behind.

Legally, they’re allowed to sell or dispose of the items as they see fit, and they said nobody has ever shown up asking for their items back.

The couple said reasons vary for why people abandon their storage units.

“Sometimes, people fall on hard times, move away or get a divorce,” Claire Corcetti said.

OPS is run by volunteers and family members.

The Corcettis said the hours of operation are being worked out, but they hope to operate the store from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. several days a month. It will be closed during the winter months.

Cash is the only form of payment accepted.

The Corcettis said they sold about $1,000 worth of goods on opening day.

Janette Gamble of Parks Township stopped by last weekend and brought her grandchildren.

“It’s wonderful,” Gamble said. “It’s recycling, and my grandchildren loved the toys.”

Claire Corcetti said popular items that sold on opening day included vintage in-the-original-box Holiday Barbies and Disney VHS movies.

The most common item left behind in storage units?

“Dishes and utensils are always there,” she said.

Items for sale include televisions, microwaves, clothes, pots and pans, collectibles, lamps, tables, furniture and knickknacks.

A double sink, tent and large kitchen table were among items for sale last weekend.

“You never know what you might find. I can’t believe how people just leave their stuff behind, but they do,” Claire Corcetti said.

The couple said they had a big surprise with one of the 75 storage units they found abandoned.

“We had a man living in one. He built a big shelf and had a recliner on top and a light hooked up to a battery,” Claire Corcetti said.

People are prohibited from using the storage units as housing.

Potential customers are asked to check the large marquee sign for news of the next OPS opening date. An OPS Facebook page is in the works.

Claire Corcetti said the kids’ freebie bin is her favorite thing. She encourages children to leave her store with a free item or two.

“When you can make a kid smile, that’s a good thing,” she said.