More Than Words Shifts to Thrift as it Meets Changing Consumer Needs

Special to the Regional Review

More Than Words, the Boston-based nonprofit social enterprise that empowers system-involved youth through paid work experience and leadership development, announced a major evolution of its retail business model. Beginning this month, the organization’s flagship Boston bookstore at 242 East Berkeley Street will evolve to include a curated thrift shopping experience featuring pre-loved clothing, home goods, and small furniture, in addition to its longstanding book offerings. The Waltham store will follow with a similar evolution in 2026.

The new model will operate under the Boomerangs x More Than Words banner, reflecting the organization’s successful relaunch of the beloved Boomerangs thrift brand in Cambridge in 2024. The Central Square store has seen strong sales, a dedicated customer base, and an expanded number of hands-on job training hours for young people.

“For almost twenty years, our businesses have been the engine of youth transformation, and we have continuously adapted to meet the needs of our young people and our community,” said Jodi Rosenbaum, More Than Words Founder and CEO. “This expansion into thrift allows us to grow our impact, strengthen our financial sustainability, and meet rising demand for affordable, sustainable retail, all while giving our young people more opportunities to lead.”

More Than Words works with youth ages 16–24 who are in the foster care system, experiencing homelessness, involved with the court system, or have dropped out of school. Young people run every aspect of the social enterprise, from inventory, sales, and merchandising to shipping and customer service, earning paid work experience and developing critical life and professional skills.

The shift toward thrift emerged during the pandemic, when More Than Words began collecting and selling pre-loved clothing online. In 2024, the organization inherited the iconic Boomerangs brand from Fenway Health and reopened the Central Square location to enthusiastic community response. The success of that store demonstrated the potential for integrating thrift into the More Than Words model across locations.

Key elements of the expansion include:

• Curated racks of secondhand clothing, accessories, and shoes

• Vintage and contemporary home décor and small furniture

• Continued book sales, with evolving merchandising to reflect the updated space

• Fewer in-store gift items, which will remain available online

• Youth-led customer service, merchandising, and store operations

The refreshed Boston store will debut to the public in mid-November, while the Waltham location will debut in early 2026.