Common Cents # 12 – Thrift Stores

Common Cents # 12 – Thrift Stores

 

For anyone interested in having nice clothing for reasonable prices, a number of strategies can be utilized.  Retail stores have good sales during the year and a smart shopper watches for those.  Being able to sew clothing for ourselves can often be more economical than purchasing a similar garment in a department store. And an ever-growing choice of Thrift Stores and Consignment stores can be the source of some remarkable items at very good prices.

We began shopping at thrift stores when we had a few free minutes as we dropped off items to add to their sales inventory. We quickly developed the philosophy that we were not looking for bargains, since everything is a bargain, but to look for quality. For example, I was in a thrift store a few years ago and noticed a beautiful leather jacket. At $35 it was one of the more expensive things in the store. It was obviously of high quality and of an unusual design. After I bought it, I did a little research and found out that is a German made motorcycle jacket. The company had recently lost their US distributor, so they were no longer available here. They were selling in Europe in the $300 to $400 range. I got a like-new jacket for 90% off. I receive comments about the great jacket every time I wear it.  

We don’t normally go to thrift stores to buy something specific, but rather we see it as more of a treasure hunt, to see what we can find. We look for brand name items with little or no wear. I am always surprised when I see clothes with the original store tags. The item should not be purchased if it is the wrong size or color. It pays to watch for good workmanship and develop an eye for something of quality.

In addition to finding quality items at huge discounts from new, thrift stores are a great way to recycle the things we don’t need, or perhaps have outgrown. We don’t consider giving to a thrift store as getting rid of our worn-out stuff, but rather putting something good into the hands of somebody who can use it. Donating to thrift stores is the most efficient form of recycling and is good stewardship of our possessions.

The money that thrift stores make from selling used merchandise often goes to non-profit organizations to support their work. We usually decide where to take our used items to support the work we believe in. For example, City Thrift is run by City Union Mission that helps the poorest people of our city. Savers is operated by Big Brothers and Big Sisters that has improved the lives of children for many years. Adelante Thrift support Mission Adelante, a ministry to the immigrant population based in Wyandotte County. Furthermore, these places employ people to sort, stock, clean, and sell the things we donate.

Thrift stores allow us to get great value for our money, give us a place to recycle the things we no longer need, provide resources for causes we believe in, and provide jobs for members of our community. It’s a Win, Win, Win!