11 Tips For Scoring At Thrift Stores
Posted by: Catherine Strawn
Filed in:
style
1:30PM, Wednesday December 10th 2008
Despite it being shopping season right now, none of us are buying as much we did last year—at least not from regular stores. While the retail industry is in its worst slump in 35 years, resale and thrift shops have reported increases in sales. I have definitely contributed to that rise; Besides a new winter coat (and underwear, of course), I haven’t bought any new new clothes since this summer. I even went to a super fancy wedding in a dress that cost $3! Below, find out how to work the Goodwill racks like a pro from three highly successful thrifters…
1. “Thrift shopping cannot be rushed. Take your time.”—Christine
2. “Definitely hit shops in upscale hoods. People donate locally!”—Sarah
3. “Go with a fellow bargain lover or go it alone. Unless you want a friend to sit on a musty recliner and shoot you dirty looks while you dig for treasure, fly solo or go with someone who enjoys the hunt as much as you.”—Robyn
4. “If your goal is to create a collection, take your time. Rome/Paris/your closet was not built in a day.”—Christine
5. “As a general rule, vintage sizes are almost always smaller than 2008 sizes, so don’t pay attention to the number on the label.”—Sarah
6. “If it’s stained, yellowed, stinky, or made of cheap fabric, it’s not worth it, even if its only $5. Look it over in good lighting to spot discoloration (especially armpits) and to examine the fabric and lining for tears or damage. Missing buttons and zippers are easy to repair.”—Robyn
7. “Don’t get discouraged, some thrifting days just won’t be as successful as others. If you do get discouraged, leave the store, and return some other time. Good energy must always surround your thrifting experience. When you don’t have good energy, you won’t find that ‘find of all finds.’”—Christine
8. “Look in the kids section, always.”—Sarah
9. “Hit out-of-the-way thrift stores. Because people are so fashion savvy these days, thrift stores in bigger style cities like Los Angeles and New York are really picked over, and prices are always more expensive. Deals can be had for sure, but for more options and better scores try to squeeze in a visit to a thrift store the next time you visit relatives in Ohio or have a work meeting in Orlando.”—Robyn
10. “Try not to go to the store looking for something specific. Be open to what is there, take what is offered.”—Christine
11. “Go with your gut. if you love it, and its reasonably priced, buy it. Chances are you will continue to love it.”—Sarah
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Erin G
wrote on December 10 2008 @ 01:42 pm: [report]
lol Its funny you mentioned Orlando in one…no one here is fashion savvy. Welcome to Sweatpants City.
joyy
wrote on December 10 2008 @ 03:17 pm: [report]
w00t for thrift stores! We have Saver’s out west, and it’s pretty awesome.
I routinely find things like Ann Taylor sweaters for $5 and Banana Republic pants for ~$8 (current outfit) off the shelves, along with other nice stuff I could probably never afford otherwise. I’m not much of a brand whore, but I like to look professional and have clothes that won’t fall apart or look ratty after a little while.
I have been bad about neglecting the kids’ dept lately, but I want some slim-fitting blazer/jackets, so I’m going to hit up the boys dept when I go this weekend.
The article DOES unfortunately neglect to mention that clothes aren’t all you can find at thrift stores - housewares dept.s often have great stuff, though it’s usually more hit-or-miss than the clothes.
hemi
wrote on December 10 2008 @ 03:22 pm: [report]
Don’t forget about the world’s biggest thrift store: Ebay.
Catherine
wrote on December 10 2008 @ 03:25 pm: [report]
@ joyy: I LOVE Savers! Whenever I go to a new city, I look up to see whether they have one! Another good chain of thrift stores to be on the lookout for is Village Discount Outlet.
I am a huge proponent of buying housewares at thrift stores. In fact, I bought all of my plates at one, and I just scored a chic lamp for $1.50 and rewired it with my sister. That gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. Hooray!
ShortyDooWop
wrote on December 10 2008 @ 11:32 pm: [report]
definitely go to thrift stores in college towns!!! they’re the BEST!!! rich kids get rid of great things!!! i found an amazing antique style chaise lounge in near mint condition for $100! i would have paid WAY more than that online…i checked!!!
HAPPY THRIFTING!!!
Retro Recycled Vintage
wrote on December 11 2008 @ 11:38 am: [report]
Still don’t have the time or the patience??? No worries, let the pro’s do it for you. Special requests and personalized shopping experience are also available. Happy Holidays!
Retro Recycled Vintage
http://RetroRecycledVintage.com
the DC Goodwill Fashionista
wrote on December 11 2008 @ 02:33 pm: [report]
Definitely try to get your shopping in on a Monday or Tuesday. The majority of donations come in over the weekend, so you’re guaranteed to have the largest, least-picked-over selection earlier in the week! -the DCGF