Thrift stores, really?

[Granite]

i love thrift stores but they do very greatly according to the state you live in and the availability. don't give up on thrift stores. keep checking around till you find a good one.

i got like new Enzo ladies pumps for $10 (really nice) and an anchor hocking glass cookie/cake plate for $1 today. Also a shelf for $4 that I am going to paint and refurbish.

I usually buy all clothes used but I do go for like new and designer brands. no one would guess i'm a second hand rose, i always look pulled together.

[snafu]

SA, GW, VV and others take vouchers issued to shoppers on Social Assistance and other programs. Individuals with vouchers don't always have the option of shopping Target, W/Mart, Dollar store etc.

I think the charity shops have had to increase prices as they need to cover their operating costs [rent, utilities, staff, trucks etc]

[disneysteve]

One thing at local thrift shops that always annoys me is how they've started pricing items they deem "collectible". Having been a collectibles dealer for nearly 25 years now, I know what a lot of that stuff is worth and they are basically charging full retail prices or more for much of it, prices that I might expect to pay in an antique store or on ebay. I used to be able to troll the thrift shops and buy items to resell. Now, that is a rare occurrence. They are charging as much or more than what I could likely sell the item for.

Of course, every once in a while, I come across an item I want for my own collection. Just last week, I picked up a 1960s Winnie the Pooh glass ceiling fixture cover. It was $9.90 at the thrift shop. I came home and searched ebay and the cheapest one I found for sale was starting at $11.95 with $9 shipping.

[wnlbutterfly]

You have to know your prices. I sometimes look at the thrift store for certain things to make into craft items. Many times I have seen items there that I could get brand new at WalMart for less. You can't just assume it will be cheaper just because it is a thrift store.

We have in another town a VERY nice consignment shop that only takes good quality name brand clothing. I can find some very nice clothing there about the same price as WalMart but much better quality. Last trip I found my son a pair of khaki's that were name brand for $8. Not that we are into brand names but some I do know will wear well and not fall apart after a couple of washings.

[RAYT721]

I went to a local independent thrift shop (not Goodwill or Salvation Army) here in Cleveland over the weekend and bought a pair of Nike gym shorts for $2, a fleece pullover for $3, and wife bought 3 pairs of laundered and excellent condition jeans for $3/pair. Last year I bought a pair of Drunk N Munky ($200 value) jeans on Ebay for $10, delivered. There are deals out there. Also on Ebay I bought an 8gig ipod clone with touch screen for $28.50. I doubt that I can get that locally for even twice the price.

[1milliondollarchallenge]

I find it to be very hit and miss. Some times I go in and get great bargains, like brand name jeans and tops for $1, other times things are so ridiculously priced I buy nothing.

I still look, but more often than not buy new in the shops.

I do get really good cheap books at thrift stores though.

[mom-from-missouri]

I went thrifting yesterday, and bought the girls denim shorts and skirts (for camp) for a quarter each. One still had the tag on it from JCPenney-brand new. I also bought some new sippy cups for a quarter each, and a tupperware lid for a nickle.

[jaine]

I like thrift stores located in questionable neighborhoods ... that's where I find the best stuff for cheap.

[cameorose]

Thrift Store

I shop at thrift store's all the time. I am in NC, I shop at the Salvation Army store. I never shop at the good will, their price's are insane. You are right about buying new compared to good will price's. But salvation army, keep's it real. I bought a black leather recliner, in fantastic shape, $50.00! I just bought a pair of Skeecher's tennis shoe's, like new for $4.00. I alway's go there first, then I will go to walmart. But thrift shop's vary in price's you must check around.And consignment shop's as well, I found one that's not to bad. Some are crazy on their price's. Shop sensibly. cameorose

[tdls17]

It's timing and choice. Sometimes our thrift doesn't have what we need; so we'll shop clearance racks at Kohls. I've found you get really good deals at the thrift especially when it comes to apparell- ie: jeans, PJ's, shoes.