Pakistani Discount Store in US a Place for Unusual Finds

Stores may turn up some unusual finds – a beaded sari, chunky silver ankle bracelets or traditional handmade, embroidered shoes from Pakistan.

Next to the row of typical housewares and children’s rompers, is a carousel of brightly colored shalwar kameez, a South Asian type of dress with a long, flowing tunic, pants and scarf. The ethnic touches at Universal Thrift Store in south St. Louis County are largely a product of the store’s primary donors – the local South Asian and Arab communities.

Farhat Shekhani came up with the idea two years ago when looking for ways to raise money for Al-Salam Day School in West County. Shekhani, who was trained as a physician in Pakistan, had no experience in retail. She began researching on the Internet…