Why you should shop at thrift stores if you don't already

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Replies

  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,854 Member
    No, I'm not poor.
    We're not rich but we're comfortable. We got that way by not spending more than necessary.
  • InnerConflict
    InnerConflict Posts: 1,592 Member
    Although I do shop at thrift stores, I won't step foot inside Goodwill. The Goodwill stores in my area are disgusting and disorganized. I mainly go to thrift stores to find items for resale, but have nothing against buying used clothes if I needed them.
  • Ramberta
    Ramberta Posts: 1,312 Member
    I love thrift stores. We both donate and shop. Plus one year I was going as Velma from Scooby Doo for Halloween and finally found a bulky orange turtleneck at Goodwill. No small feat that.

    BUT...that's not what this thread is about to become. So I'm just getting this on my topics to watch the class warfare.

    Honestly, I wasn't intending to post this as a "debate" topic, but I forgot that it's a hot-button issue in this community. Obviously there are some clothing items that should always be bought new, such as underthings, socks, swimsuits, and maybe workout clothes. But even if I had more money than I currently do, I would still choose to shop thrift stores. Especially now, during this transitional period in my wardrobe!

    Also, that's awesome about the Velma costume, thrift stores come in handy around holidays!
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    My best snag is an adorable purse that perfectly matches a pair of shoes I'd already purchased. It was just...magic. It was like 2 bucks and looks like it had never been used.
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    a bought a pair of scuba goggles for $2. They are perfect to wear when cutting onions, so I don't cry.
    we have 3 growing boys who always need bigger clothes- the Thrift Store is handy. it's close and keeps me from throwing out lots of money on jeans that will be too short for them in 2 months.

    Swimming goggles for onions?? I will totally be stealing this idea! I never thought of that before, thanks for sharing :)
    <<---
    not the little swimming ones- scuba goggles. with that super suction going around your upper face...LOL.
    I cut the nose-covering off so I could breath.
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    In NYC we call it "Vintage". Then you can charge more...

    Very true.
    My wife refuses to go into thrift stores, but she will look at vintage clothing.

    Its all in the marketing.
  • _Timmeh_
    _Timmeh_ Posts: 2,096 Member
    I like the store Savers. If you donate they give you a 10 or 20% off coupon.

    www.savers.com


    Shoes really shouldn't be bought if they've been worn by someone else as it's bad for your feet. The shoes will have been shaped by the other persons feet.

    Casually glances down at my comfy thrift store shoes I have on. :ohwell:
  • sillygoosie
    sillygoosie Posts: 1,109 Member
    I'm not poor either but I don't like spending my money on over priced clothing. I always find great jeans and jackets at the thrift stores. My best find ever? A Calvin Klein, wool coat for $12. I also found my beautiful, comfy couch at Habitat for Humanity for $5.

    So let's see, spend $80 on a pair of Express jeans at Express or $10 on Express jeans at the thrift store. hmmmm.....
  • usernameMAMA
    usernameMAMA Posts: 681 Member
    No, I'm not poor.

    ^^^This is a ridiculous, closed-minded statement. Don't be an ass. I am not poor either, but I am also not stupid enough to pay the overpriced amounts retailers ask for clothing. Why should I when I can spend my money at an organization that also helps people with disabilities. $4.25 for a pair of Ambercrombie and Fitch jeans that have never been worn? Yes please. I call it charitable shopping.


    I think dude is trying to get a rise out of people. If he is that shallow and ignorant, then we should feel sorry for him. That being said, I am poor. At least when it comes to spending money on myself. I have an infant and those lil' buggers aren't cheap! I love thrift shopping when I have the time. If I can find a pair of silvers on the rack it is indeed a good day:) I'm also a big fan of the vintage racks.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    No, I'm not poor.

    I hate thrift shopping. I never find anything I like and also it smells funny. I rather buy new.

    Certain things do smell funny. I think it depends on the store. There's one thrift shop I won't even go to because the clothes I got from there smelled so weirdly strong.
  • red9812
    red9812 Posts: 85 Member
    Ever since this kid I knew in HS got a rash from a jacket that he should have had dry cleaned, I've been a bit leary about shopping at thrift stores... But I will still go in sometimes. If I'm feeling brave. :)
  • SkinnyBubbaGaar
    SkinnyBubbaGaar Posts: 389 Member
    I'm all about the thrift stores. I'm not poor but I am frugal as a mofo.

    QFT. Not poor BECAUSE I am frugal.
  • Ramberta
    Ramberta Posts: 1,312 Member
    Although I do shop at thrift stores, I won't step foot inside Goodwill. The Goodwill stores in my area are disgusting and disorganized. I mainly go to thrift stores to find items for resale, but have nothing against buying used clothes if I needed them.

    That is unfortunate. Goodwill stores in Illinois are large, clean, and staffed by friendly people who may or may not have disabilities. Even if I've been discouraged at not finding what I wanted, I've never had a bad experience there in terms of the condition of the store.
  • Wickedbookworm1977
    Wickedbookworm1977 Posts: 162
    Goodwill AKA "GW Fashions"
  • Spiritwarrior3000
    Spiritwarrior3000 Posts: 322 Member
    No, I'm not poor.


    I hear yah *high 5* LOL! My jeans alone cost £45 which is like $70

    I'm with you if you make money it must be for burning. I drive a car with the worst mileage possible too. I am not at my house but I have the sinks running full blast and all the lights are on just so I can run up my utilities. *high 5* There is simply no way I am going to by some cloths that I like for a lower price.


    LMFAO! Nice :laugh:
  • Ramberta
    Ramberta Posts: 1,312 Member
    a bought a pair of scuba goggles for $2. They are perfect to wear when cutting onions, so I don't cry.
    we have 3 growing boys who always need bigger clothes- the Thrift Store is handy. it's close and keeps me from throwing out lots of money on jeans that will be too short for them in 2 months.

    Swimming goggles for onions?? I will totally be stealing this idea! I never thought of that before, thanks for sharing :)
    <<---
    not the little swimming ones- scuba goggles. with that super suction going around your upper face...LOL.
    I cut the nose-covering off so I could breath.

    Haha, awesome!! I will remember this, thanks! :)
  • petstorekitty
    petstorekitty Posts: 592 Member
    Almost everything I have on right now is from a thrift shop. I'm not poor. I'm a corporate acountant.

    I like unique clothing and I hate shopping malls only to end up wearing the exact same sweatshop clothing as every other girl.
    Almost all of my pants are designer brands so I get to tell my workmates I have on Express or Banana or whatever and they think, "oooooo!!!! you look great!"

    Hahahaha Suckas!

    I'm 30. The current fashion is just way too out there for me. The materials are cheap and ugly. Even Target is selling complete **** right now.

    To the OP: I have had some awesome finds but the first that comes to mind is my current winter coat, which is a wool peacoat from JCrew I paid $10 for.
  • Christizzzle
    Christizzzle Posts: 454 Member
    We have a high end thrift store here called Buffalo Exchange. I always find amazing things there. Sadly, they have all been for my daughter so I cannot wait to get down in size so I can find my own "vintage" treasures. I did find some sweet lightly used Converse Chuck Taylors with a pattern I had never seen on them for $9.00. So I was able to go for a manicure after because I'm not poor either (since a douche must advertise their financial state when it has nothing to do with it)
  • Igotdisbish
    Igotdisbish Posts: 91
    BECAUSE OF GOODWILL, COUPONS, AND SECOND HAND STORES I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BUILD UP A NEST EGG AND LIVE WITHIN MY MEANS. IT'S AMAZING TO NOT LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND HAVE FINANCIAL SECURITY. WHY PAY RETAIL WHEN THE SAME THING IS AVAILABLE CHEAPER ONLINE, WITH A COUPON OR SECONDHAND. I'M NOT POOR, I DRESS WELL AND I INVEST/PAY RETAIL ONLY ON HIGH PRIORITY ITEMS LIKE CARS, ELECTRONICS AND HOUSEHOLD NEEDS. I FELT STRANGE SPENDING 10 DOLLARS FOR A BOTTLE OF TIDE BUT I KNOW THE VALUE SO I GET IT. DO I NEED TO HAVE A BRAND NEW LV PURSE? NOPE, I CAN GET A GENTLY LOVED MARC JACOBS AND STILL TURN HEADS. IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING THE BEST FINANCIAL CHOICE FOR ME :)

    WHAT I'M GETTING AT IS.... DON'T INSULT PEOPLE WHO SHOP SECONDHAND. THEY ARE BUYING INTO THEIR COMMUNITIES, DONATING FOR GREATER SOCIAL WEALTH AND RECYCLING AT THE SAME TIME.

    FUN FACT: IT TAKES 700 GALLONS OF WATER TO MAKE ONE SINGLE SHIRT. THINK ABOUT THAT THE NEXT TIME YOU DROP A FEW BUCKS AT H&M, DEPARTMENT STORES OR BOUTIQUES. BY SHOPPING SECONDHAND AND THRIFT WE CAN CUT DOWN ON CLOTHING PRODUCTION DEMAND AND REDUCE WASTE.

    GOODWILL: IT'S BIGGER THAN YOU THINK :)

    STOP YELLING AT ME!!!
  • Julettashane
    Julettashane Posts: 723 Member
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  • JenniferMary_9169
    JenniferMary_9169 Posts: 164
    Savers = :love:

    I have an 11 year old boy that seems to grow out, then up...then out, then up...then out, then up...I can't hardly even keep up with some of his growth spurts...not to mention the fact that he's a BOY and DESTROYS every piece of clothing that I seem to buy for him. And don't even get me started on the summer time camp season. He goes to summer camp at the Y and does things to clothes that I have never seen before.

    I'm not poor, I just choose to be cautious with how I spend my hard earned money.
  • DefluffinMyStuffin
    DefluffinMyStuffin Posts: 76 Member
    I'm always perplexed when people wrinkle their nose at wearing clothing that someone else's rear-end has inhabited yet will go in a restaraunt and drink and eat from utensils and dishes that have been slurped, spit on and *inside* of umpteen thousand people's mouth. :drinker: Yes, there are dishwashers and there are dish washers. Trust 'em implicitly with the super magic portal that is your mouth?
    Clothes are worn on top of the body unless you're some freak in the upcoming line up of TLC's "My strange addiction".

    Wash, wash, wash..hot water, bleach, baking soda, vinegar...kill the cooties. Save the wallet and slide Mama Earth a little slack.

    *hypocritcal p.s.
    Underwear and panties
    No, just no if you can avoid it. I bet even Mama Earth would agree. :flowerforyou:
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    We buy most of our clothing items either at thrift stores or consignment shops. I cant justify spending the kind of money they want for new clothing. Especially for the kids. They just out grow it all in a few months anyways. Has really saved a lot as we have lost weight also. My wife is the second hand and coupon shopping master. : ) When we do buy new, for the obvious things you dont want second hand, we try to buy U.S. made and will spend more for those when we can find them.
  • wow29
    wow29 Posts: 283 Member
    Gotta say never did thrift shop much thought the same thing, no, just not that pooor, but I was traveling and found the nicest little shop went inside and all the rack were color coordinated by single primary color and size it was spotless! Bought a Ralph lauren sweater for Ten dollars! wEAR IT TO this day one of my favs and to red ones and a copper tea kettle for decor, best store! My Hubby found this old small Mahogany desk which nearly matches the dinning room set it is in the same room as, in the corner for $7 and I went to swank furniture stores and was looking for a very small desk(which I could not find) other desks ran near $800.
  • Julettashane
    Julettashane Posts: 723 Member
    BECAUSE OF GOODWILL, COUPONS, AND SECOND HAND STORES I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BUILD UP A NEST EGG AND LIVE WITHIN MY MEANS. IT'S AMAZING TO NOT LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND HAVE FINANCIAL SECURITY. WHY PAY RETAIL WHEN THE SAME THING IS AVAILABLE CHEAPER ONLINE, WITH A COUPON OR SECONDHAND. I'M NOT POOR, I DRESS WELL AND I INVEST/PAY RETAIL ONLY ON HIGH PRIORITY ITEMS LIKE CARS, ELECTRONICS AND HOUSEHOLD NEEDS. I FELT STRANGE SPENDING 10 DOLLARS FOR A BOTTLE OF TIDE BUT I KNOW THE VALUE SO I GET IT. DO I NEED TO HAVE A BRAND NEW LV PURSE? NOPE, I CAN GET A GENTLY LOVED MARC JACOBS AND STILL TURN HEADS. IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING THE BEST FINANCIAL CHOICE FOR ME :)

    WHAT I'M GETTING AT IS.... DON'T INSULT PEOPLE WHO SHOP SECONDHAND. THEY ARE BUYING INTO THEIR COMMUNITIES, DONATING FOR GREATER SOCIAL WEALTH AND RECYCLING AT THE SAME TIME.

    FUN FACT: IT TAKES 700 GALLONS OF WATER TO MAKE ONE SINGLE SHIRT. THINK ABOUT THAT THE NEXT TIME YOU DROP A FEW BUCKS AT H&M, DEPARTMENT STORES OR BOUTIQUES. BY SHOPPING SECONDHAND AND THRIFT WE CAN CUT DOWN ON CLOTHING PRODUCTION DEMAND AND REDUCE WASTE.

    GOODWILL: IT'S BIGGER THAN YOU THINK :)

    STOP YELLING AT ME!!!

    when i read stuff like this i YELL IN MY HEAD!!!!
  • Ramberta
    Ramberta Posts: 1,312 Member
    I am loving these finds everyone is sharing :) if I had more free time I'd browse thrift stores all day!
  • binknbaby
    binknbaby Posts: 207 Member
    It's not [always] about being poor. It can also be about not being wasteful by only buying new, and it can be about helping the community, giving to organizations that help other people.

    But even if it is about being "poor", why is that a bad thing? Why be rude and condescending to others who may be in a rough spot? There's no need for that kind of attitude. Way to be a jerk.

    That said, I love shopping at thrift stores, whether I'm in a time of plenty or whether money is tight. I've been shopping at thrift stores since high school. Luckily, around here, we have a lot of consignment shops, where the standard for what they put on the racks is a bit higher (must have no stains, smell freshly laundered, etc), and it's way better organized. Besides, if you have a good laundry detergent, you can always just *gasp* wash it yourself before wearing it.

    And for parents, since kids grow out of clothes so stinkin quick, it's nice to know "I only spent $2 on this pair of shoes she only wore twice before her growth spurt." Again, it's about not being wasteful, and additionally, supporting your local community programs and small businesses.
  • buffybabe
    buffybabe Posts: 180 Member
    I donate to thrift shops frequently, but I can't bring myself to shop there. I don't want "pre worn" clothes. Ya just never know where they've been.

    totally the same...
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    BECAUSE OF GOODWILL, COUPONS, AND SECOND HAND STORES I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BUILD UP A NEST EGG AND LIVE WITHIN MY MEANS. IT'S AMAZING TO NOT LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND HAVE FINANCIAL SECURITY. WHY PAY RETAIL WHEN THE SAME THING IS AVAILABLE CHEAPER ONLINE, WITH A COUPON OR SECONDHAND. I'M NOT POOR, I DRESS WELL AND I INVEST/PAY RETAIL ONLY ON HIGH PRIORITY ITEMS LIKE CARS, ELECTRONICS AND HOUSEHOLD NEEDS. I FELT STRANGE SPENDING 10 DOLLARS FOR A BOTTLE OF TIDE BUT I KNOW THE VALUE SO I GET IT. DO I NEED TO HAVE A BRAND NEW LV PURSE? NOPE, I CAN GET A GENTLY LOVED MARC JACOBS AND STILL TURN HEADS. IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING THE BEST FINANCIAL CHOICE FOR ME :)

    WHAT I'M GETTING AT IS.... DON'T INSULT PEOPLE WHO SHOP SECONDHAND. THEY ARE BUYING INTO THEIR COMMUNITIES, DONATING FOR GREATER SOCIAL WEALTH AND RECYCLING AT THE SAME TIME.

    FUN FACT: IT TAKES 700 GALLONS OF WATER TO MAKE ONE SINGLE SHIRT. THINK ABOUT THAT THE NEXT TIME YOU DROP A FEW BUCKS AT H&M, DEPARTMENT STORES OR BOUTIQUES. BY SHOPPING SECONDHAND AND THRIFT WE CAN CUT DOWN ON CLOTHING PRODUCTION DEMAND AND REDUCE WASTE.

    GOODWILL: IT'S BIGGER THAN YOU THINK :)

    STOP YELLING AT ME!!!

    when i read stuff like this i YELL IN MY HEAD!!!!

    abd.gif
  • _chiaroscuro
    _chiaroscuro Posts: 1,340 Member
    I love thrift stores. We both donate and shop. Plus one year I was going as Velma from Scooby Doo for Halloween and finally found a bulky orange turtleneck at Goodwill. No small feat that.

    BUT...that's not what this thread is about to become. So I'm just getting this on my topics to watch the class warfare.

    Honestly, I wasn't intending to post this as a "debate" topic, but I forgot that it's a hot-button issue in this community. Obviously there are some clothing items that should always be bought new, such as underthings, socks, swimsuits, and maybe workout clothes. But even if I had more money than I currently do, I would still choose to shop thrift stores. Especially now, during this transitional period in my wardrobe!

    Also, that's awesome about the Velma costume, thrift stores come in handy around holidays!

    Oh I know you didn't intend it. It's actually a really good idea, especially as you lose weight. I just have a feeling that one guy's crass remark is going to...well...accomplish exactly what he intended. But back on topic, I love going to the Goodwill stores in the more affluent 'burbs outside my city. They donate all kinds of stuff that hasn't even been used. My latest find was a beautiful wooden drying rack for my laundry area, HUGE. Paid a few bucks. Boom. :)

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