National Secondhand Wardrobe Week 2023: Six Thrift Store Tips & Tricks
Thrift stores are amazing places to find unique and affordable items, but it's easy to get lost or overwhelmed in all the aisles and piles. I usually make a short list in my notes of the main things I am looking for to help me stay on track. Manifest your wishlist! And follow these tips and tricks for navigating secondhand shops.
1. The men's department is your friend. For finding vintage Levi's: check the men's department. For cool graphic tees: men's department.
2. Follow the color code. You don't need to look at every item on the rack, just scan and when a color/pattern pops out at you, take a look.
3. Don't buy on impulse. Even thought things are inexpensive, don't buy it unless you know you will wear/use it. Those 3 shirts you kinda like add up.
4. Books for (less than) a buck. If you are a book worm, sometimes you can find newer books for a steal.
5. Vinyls vinyls vinyls. Records are making a comeback. Unless you want to spend $40 at Urban Outfitters on a new pop artist, save your money and instead buy a handful of classic vinyls from Fleetwood Mac to Barbara Streisand. If you are serious about your vinyl, this could take some time, but it will be worth it when you find a gem for a great price.
6. Gold digger. While you are waiting to purchase all of your amazing finds, don't forget to scan the jewelry display that is usually near the check out counter. Sometimes you can find a beautiful broach or simple gold chain for a few dollars.
While not every trip may be a successful one, hopefully, these tips will help provide a blueprint for your next thrift store trip. Check with your local thrift shops for deal days. Some thrift stores offer discounts on certain days of the week. At my local Salvation Army, all clothes and shoes are 50% off on Wednesdays. Be prepared for a lot of people, long lines for the fitting rooms, and checkout, but if you have the patience, you can find some great items for a steal! Happy thrifting!
1. The men's department is your friend. For finding vintage Levi's: check the men's department. For cool graphic tees: men's department.
2. Follow the color code. You don't need to look at every item on the rack, just scan and when a color/pattern pops out at you, take a look.
3. Don't buy on impulse. Even thought things are inexpensive, don't buy it unless you know you will wear/use it. Those 3 shirts you kinda like add up.
4. Books for (less than) a buck. If you are a book worm, sometimes you can find newer books for a steal.
6. Gold digger. While you are waiting to purchase all of your amazing finds, don't forget to scan the jewelry display that is usually near the check out counter. Sometimes you can find a beautiful broach or simple gold chain for a few dollars.
While not every trip may be a successful one, hopefully, these tips will help provide a blueprint for your next thrift store trip. Check with your local thrift shops for deal days. Some thrift stores offer discounts on certain days of the week. At my local Salvation Army, all clothes and shoes are 50% off on Wednesdays. Be prepared for a lot of people, long lines for the fitting rooms, and checkout, but if you have the patience, you can find some great items for a steal! Happy thrifting!
