Here at our house, we love to shop at thrift stores (hey, this site is Doggone Thrifty, right?). Shopping at thrift stores or consignment obviously saves money as opposed to always buying new. In fact, you can save about 80 or 90 percent or more of what you would buying retail. Furthermore, at thrift stores you can find some things you just wouldn’t at stores – unique pieces that stand out and look beautiful. We’re talking unique pieces of furniture or a dashing pair of earrings that always get compliments. The thing is, you can find anything at thrift store – for dirt cheap.
(I found these at a thrift store years ago and still consider them one of my favorite pieces)
Shopping at thrift stores or consignment is great for your wallet, but it is also environmentally friendly. Shopping consignment reduces landfill waste and the demand for mass-produced items. When you shop at thrift stores, you’re supporting people who want to recycle their used items instead of just throwing them in the trash. You also while support local businesses, bolstering local economies and helping keep prices low.
My only advice as far as thrift stores is only get it if you love it and it’s just right – if you settle for so-so, it’ll end up unused and a waste of money (i.e. don’t just buy it because it’s cheap).
How about you? Do you shop at thrift stores or consignment stores? Are you like me and do a happy dance when you find a great deal? Let me know in the comments!
12 Responses to Why to shop at thrift stores
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I have two teen daughters and they say their absolute favorite place to shop for clothes is thrifts. You know why? They say there is far greater selection of styles and colors in a thrift shop than a regular retail. Regular retail stores have colors and styles that they focus on for the season. And you can’t always find the color or style that suits you because of this. But thrifts have the colors and style from many seasons, and if you shop well, you can find some real steals and just the right item.
If you sew you can unearth some gems. I make simple alterations to my teens clothing and fix up a so so item into something they love. Glad to find someone else who loves the thrifts!
That’s a great point! You can definitely make simple alterations to cloths found second hand to make them even better. I’m not the best when it comes to a sewing machine (something I need to work on), but if this is your forte, then second hand stores are like a gold mine!
This is a great post! I do almost all of our clothing shopping at second hand stores and occasionally garage sales. I also love consignmnent stores for my work attire!
Thanks! Consignment is great. You can find some really great things at garage sales, yard sales and flea markets. You just have to keep and eye out and know what you’re looking for.
I’m a huge thrift nerd too! I don’t recall the last time I bought a piece from a full-price store. It’s too easy to find great scores way below retail when you know what you’re doing with secondhand.
I definitely agree! Thanks so much for stopping by
I certainly do. I started doing this 12 years ago when I was in college. Its amazing what you can find and usually in really good shape.
These days, thrift stores have gone mainstream with high quality items. There is one in my location that is like shopping at a retail store in the mall, yet with thrift store prices. Everything looks brand new, pressed, and in perfect shape.
That store sounds like a great find! I love finding those stores like that – it’s like a gold mine
Not only do I love thrift stores and the deals, but I go when they have additional discounts! Just hit 2 after work on Monday because they have 50 percent off on holidays. My best find is probably my Longaberger basket. Though I once got a Coach backpack for $3. Used it for the winter then sold it on Ebay for $90.
Wow can’t believe you made $87 on that deal! That’s awesome. I have to double check the thrift stores around me to see if they offer discount days. Discounts on top of already great discounts? Sounds perfect to me!
I adore consignment hunting, or thrifting. And if one is familiar with quality garments and brands, it’s a bit like treasure hunting. I’ve found immaculate pieces in mint condition (like a Balenciaga mini bag, which would have cost hundreds of dollars retail) for practically nothing.
Wow that’s awesome you found a Balenciaga bag at a thrift store. Great find!