TOP THRIFTING TIPS Sift Through Cast-Offs to Discover Gems
The U.S. thrift and resale market for second-hand goods will likely hit $50 billion this year, driven by shoppers’ passion for bargain-hunting and reduced prices. Combing through racks, shelves, and piles of donated items has become a popular pastime for millions of consumers. As thrifting grows in popularity, veteran bargain hunters have honed some useful strategies for separating junk from gems. Here are a few tips from seasoned thrifters. Diversify Your Search Leading thrift chains run by Goodwill Industries, Disabled American Veterans, The Salvation Army, and other large organizations have expanded. Still, small local thrift shops operated by churches, hospital foundations, and other local charities often have the best prices. One Reddit poster claims to have found a Coach bag and wallet for $3 at a church-run thrift shop. This thrifting local strategy is rewarding beyond the money saved — it lets you take pride in supporting worthy local causes.
elegance to your home, and that vintage dresser might make a fine living room hutch to hold your TV. When items look expensive or antique, look for a brand name. And use your sense of touch. If you shop for clothing or linens, consider whether the fabric feels weighty and the seams are well-made. If so, the item is probably high-quality and will last. Dress for Try-Ons Bring a tape measure to size up potential purchases and help avoid trying on garments that won’t fit well. Many donated items have lost their size tags, and a quick measurement of bust, waist, and hip circumference can help you minimize fitting room frustration. Also, wear close-fitting tights or slacks and a T-shirt on your thrifting adventure so you can easily slip garments on over your clothes without trekking to a fitting room. Be Patient An axiom of thrifting is that shoppers must work a little harder because many stores fail to display items in an orderly way. Discovering a real find often requires exploring the entire store. You might find crop tops and baby tees in the kids’ section and kitchenware mixed with bath items. Also, you need time to consider whether that colorful but too-large tunic might look great on you with a belt or scarf.
Timing Matters Consider shopping off-season to pick up affluent donors’ end-of-season castoffs. Throughout the year, Mondays can be great shopping days for getting first dibs on weekend donations. Also, tune in to thrift stores’ sale days. Ask thrift store employees to clue you in on regularly scheduled sales, such as “color
Bring a List Have an idea of what you want or need. Setting out to find the perfect vintage lamp or distressed jeans can help you avoid impulse purchases that strike your fancy but disappoint after you bring them home. Additionally, you should set a budget and stick to it. Getting carried away with thrift store purchases can defeat the purpose of shopping there. And if you don’t find a good fit for your needs or an item that delights, it’s okay to leave empty-handed!
days,” when all items tagged in a specific color are discounted, or “half-off Saturdays.” Hone the Art of the Scan Train your eye to survey tables, shelves, and display racks and notice fine materials, target colors, or beautifully designed products. That eye-catching ceramic crock pot on a top shelf might bring
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