What is Big Blue?

Big Blue is a nonprofit thrift store located on the campus of Marietta College. The store was created and is managed by Alexis Sommers ’25 and Lilly Posti ’25.

Mission

The mission of Big Blue is to offer an affordable shopping option while minimizing clutter and waste and providing an opportunity for Marietta College students to gain practical business-related experience.

Location

229 Sixth Street
Marietta, OH 45750

Hours of Operation (Spring 2023 Semester)

Monday through Friday, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
*Big Blue will be closed during Spring break (March 4–11) and final exams (April 30–May 6).
Cash or credit card only.

Donate

Please send your donations of clothing and small personal items to:

Entrepreneurship Program
Marietta College
215 Fifth Street
Marietta, OH 45750

Click here for monetary donations. Choose "Other" and type "Big Blue"

Stay in touch

Email: bigbluethriftstore@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mc_bigblue/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mcbigblue/

The Story of Big Blue

Big Blue began as a class project. In their Fall 2021 Entrepreneurial Mindset class, first-year students Lilly Posti and Alexis Sommers pitched the idea of establishing a thrift store on Marietta College's campus.

Big Blue co-founders Alexis and Lilly present their poster during PioBiz

March 3, 2022
Alexis and Lilly claim the first-place award in Round One of the PioBiz Competition.

Three students shopping at Big Blue Thrift Store

April 6, 2022
Big Blue hosts its first pop-up thrifting event.

Big Blue Storefront

Summer 2022
Nonprofit status is obtained, and the location is chosen.

Big Blue co-founders Alexis and Lilly preparing for opening day

Early Fall 2022
Preparations for opening day.

Big Blue co-founders Alexis and Lilly cutting the ribbon outside of Big Blue

September 22, 2022
Big Blue Thrift Store opens. Opening Day Video

Big Blue co-founders Alexis and Lilly at PioPitch

October 15, 2022
Brainstorming at PioPitch.

PioBiz Winners on stage

November 29, 2022
Big Blue places 5th in Round Two of PioBiz.

Volunteers painting inside Big Blue Thrift Store during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

January 15, 2023
The store receives a facelift thanks to volunteers during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Story