THRIFTY SHOPPING
Tips for being an in-the-know thrift store shopper
If you're looking for chic and sustainable clothing but also want a bargain, head to your local thrift store. Clothing is a huge expense for families, with the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reporting that the average family spends $1,800 a year on it.
Thrift store shopping is a hot parenting trend, and not only because families are trying to stretch their dollars. In addition to bigger stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, communities often boast cute boutique shops featuring trendy and vintage finds.
“More and more people are mindful of their consumption habits these days, and buying something gently used from a thrift store is less wasteful than buying something new,” said Melanie Berliet, general manager of The Spruce lifestyle website. “So there's a really appealing dogooder element inherent to thrift shopping. Many thrift stores are also connected to local and national charities, which can make shopping at these stores feel like even more of a good deed.”
If you're new to thrifting, Berliet can help get you up to speed on this money-saving movement.
“The most important thing to remember is to visit a thrift store often,” she said. “The merchandise available at thrift stores changes frequently and somewhat unpredictably, so if you don't want to miss out on new items, you need to return routinely. A store that seems like it has nothing for you one day might have exactly what you need the next.”
More of her tips
• Look for wear and tear: “Be sure to examine items carefully because some things lend themselves better to resale and a second life than others. Check clothing for secure buttons and zippers that function properly. Also look out for signs of age like pills or loose threads.”
• Check the label: “Reading labels is always helpful because they can tell you about the composition of fabric and origin of a garment. The more information the better when you're deciding whether or not to buy something that probably cannot be easily returned.”
• Make it work: “If you have access to an inexpensive tailor whom you trust or can alter your own items effectively, it might be worth buying something that doesn't fit you exactly how you want it to. In the case that something isn't a perfect fit, you might also consider trying to negotiate the price down with the store owner.”
• Don't be overwhelmed: “To make thrift store shopping more manageable, consider giving yourself a reasonable time limit for browsing. Also walk in with a budget so you don't go too overboard.”
• Know the policy: “It's always smart to educate yourself about a store's policies in terms of refunds and exchanges before making a purchase so you don't end up being confronted by an unhappy surprise later on.”
• Make a friend: “Being friendly to staffers is advisable because store employees have inside knowledge of the store's offerings and may be able to guide you to a treasure within the aisles that you never would've found on your own.”
• Make a donation: “If you're into shopping at thrift stores, consider donating to them, too. If the manager of your local thrift store knows you make regular donations, they might very well give you the heads up on hot new items or negotiate with you on the price of an item you covet.”