Thrift Store Shopping

Thrift store shopping can be a rewarding experience if you are aware of a few things before heading out to your local thrift stores.

Thrift stores are a fantastic place to start bargain hunting and find just about anything you need for your family and your household.

You can outfit your entire family from head to toe from thrift store finds.

You’ll find unusual and unique household items at a thrift store at a price that won’t break the bank, which means you can bring your own personal flair to your home décor.

• Just like you do when you plan your meals for the week, you need to make a list of the items you’d like to find when thrift store shopping. The size of a thrift store can be daunting to even the most avid bargain hunting individual, so be sure to have a list of items handy. Clothing sizes and shoe sizes should be included on your list for easy reference.

• Upon entering the store, take a good look around. Are there specials posted? If not, approach an associate and ask about specific specials available for that day and for any other days of the week. Ask if you can be added to their mailing list so you can receive notice of upcoming sales and coupons.

• Thrift stores often utilize a color tag system to price items. Some stores will choose one or two color tags each day to feature at ½ off the price posted on the tag.

• Thrift stores are usually divided up into sections for your convenience. Ladies clothing, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes, books, purses, baby items, household items, electronics, DVD’s, movies, music, and the like.

• A well-organized thrift store will have clothing in sections by size, but within that size could be a range of actual sizes. For example, in the section for large sizes, you may find a range from size 12 to 16. Plus sizes usually range from size 18 and up. You’ll still need to look at the actual tags on each item for specifics.

• Thrift stores do the best they can to put items out on the sales floor that are in good condition, working condition, and clean. However, it doesn’t hurt to make sure the item is free from stains, tears, or seams that are coming apart. An electrical outlet is often provided in the electronics area so you can test the item before making a decision to purchase.

• Another thrift store shopping tip...Take along a pair of knee-highs and socks for yourself or your children if you plan to shop for shoes. This will ensure you get a good fit and prevent the transfer of germs. Always plan to wipe down thrift store shoes and boots when you get home. Spray them with a sanitizing spray as well.

• Take along a set of AA batteries just in case you or your child sees a toy they can’t live without. Batteries are most often removed before placing the toy on the sales floor for safety reasons.

• A measuring tape is a must have when shopping thrift stores. Take measurements of yourself and your family members before leaving home. Keep the list handy. Clothing items in a thrift store are often second-hand and have been washed and dried, perhaps several times. They are not always true to size. Most thrift stores do not have a fitting room, so measuring the clothing can be helpful in your decision to purchase or to leave it behind.

• If you feel comfortable doing so, wear slim fitting clothes to when thrift store shopping, so you can try items on over your clothing to check the fit. Some women will wear long skirts and pull jeans, pants, or shorts on under the privacy of the skirt. It’s really a personal preference. However, if you’re willing to purchase an item without trying it on first, realize that once you purchase merchandise from a second-hand store, you own it. There are no returns.

• Thrift stores will often feature a few racks with brand new clothes. The prices for these items will be closer to retail, but still reasonable.

• Are you looking to make throw pillows or basket liners? Fabric is fabric; so consider looking for items you can repurpose into other home décor projects. Tablecloths make great throw pillows and flat sheets can serve as a backing for a quilt! Wash everything you bring home from the thrift store to ensure it’s up to your standard of clean.

Use these easy thrift store shopping tips and you'll become a bargain hunting expert. Remember to have fun while your saving money!

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