When bargain hunters enter Marion’s Penny Pinchers Exchange, they might find the shopping trip has become something else entirely  - a search for treasure.

One long-time shopper Ursula Sokouwska picked up a painting print of Florence, Italy for $6 at the exchange. After some research, she discovered it’s an original print, part of a set of 12, by an Italian painter.

It was actually worth $700.

“Some of our customers come here for the thrill of the hunt,” exchange manager Wini Sylvia, of Marion, said.

A consignment shop, Penny Pinchers Exchange operates for the benefit of the First Congregational Church of Marion. Open for 37 years now, the shop started with a $500 grant from the congregation.

Back then, members wanted to raise funds and use the then vacant Chapel Building, located across and up the street from the church.

“At the time, the men of the church didn’t think it would amount to much,” Marion resident Yvonne Jackson, the exchange’s back room manager, said. “And then we gave them half the money for a new elevator at the church. They couldn’t believe it.”

Since opening, Sylvia said money raised at the exchange has paid for improvements and repairs that cost a total of $250,000.

The exchange is both a browser’s delight and a place for families and friends to meet.

One shopper came in looking for garden shoes. Her old pair – an absolute favorite – had worn out. Unfortunately, the shoes weren’t in production anymore. Sylvia said the exchange was there to help.

“Not only did we have the shoes brand new, still in the box, but they were in her size too,” she said. “You would have thought she won the lottery.”

Seasonal and children’s clothing can be found alongside small pieces of furniture and home items. Larger items are accepted too; don’t bring them inside though Sylvia said. For large furniture, the exchange allows sellers to post a photograph of the item on a bulletin board inside the shop. When an item sells the exchange asks for a 10 percent commission, which is donated to the church.

“I have a saying, ‘if you see it, buy it,’ because if you come back in a few days it will be gone,” Sylvia said.

For families, the shop has become a touchstone for three generations. Often, Sylvia meets people who tell her their mother would bring them to the Chapel Building in summer to browse. Now, those shoppers have returned with their own children.

“This is just a fun, welcoming place,” Sylvia said.

Jackson credited the volunteers  - some traveling from Cape Code, Fairhaven, and New Bedford – for making the exchange a success.

“They are really faithful. If you paid them, we couldn’t get the kind of service that we do,” she said.

Penny Pinchers Exchange is open Wednesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but is closed for in March and September. It is located at 39 Main St., Marion. When an item is sold on consignment 50 percent of the sale price is given to the seller, the other half is donated the First Congregational Church. The exchange accepts donations as well. Volunteers are welcome. For more information call the church office at 508-748-1053 or email office@marionfirstchurch.org.