Autumn Clarke, Campus Carrier Features Editor
From 2009 to 2010, Goodwill’s annual report showed a leap in post-retail sales from $39 million to $43 million. Shoppers everywhere are beginning to take pride in how little money they spend on their clothes. Even pop music has gone with the thrifty trend in Macklemore’s latest song, “Thrift Shop.”
With gas and food prices on the rise and wages remaining stagnant, it’s no wonder thrift shopping is becoming so popular. While not every town has a large mall full of mainstream stores, no matter where your travels take you, you will most likely be able to locate a thrift shop.
The vintage style is becoming increasingly popular, making thrift stores a prime spot for shoppers, and at the end of the day, thrift shoppers know that their money is staying local and oftentimes giving back to their community. Regardless of why shoppers are beginning to flock to thrift stores, we know of one recurring factor: the thrill of the hunt.
With thrift shops becoming increasingly popular, some people have taken scavenging for used items to a new level. They are no longer just shopping for clothes and browsing through stores; it’s a hunt. Shoppers come up with strategies and carefully plot out their plan of attack before hitting the stores. After a bit of research, it appears that these tips for successful thrift shopping are the most common.
-Find the locations of several thrift shops in your area. The chances of finding everything you’re searching for in one thrift store are pretty low, but websites such as thriftyplanet.com or thethriftshopper.com can help you find stores located near you. Try to plan out a route that will save you the most gas.
-Wash everything before you wear it. The stores typically do this before they put the clothes on display, but with several people pulling clothes off racks to try them on, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
-Don’t buy helmets, shoes that have been worn numerous times, socks or underwear. For the sake of safety, physical comfort and health reasons, avoid purchasing these if they aren’t brand new.
-Carefully examine each article of clothing for rips, stains or holes. Don’t assume you can’t purchase it if it has a defect, but try to assess how well you’ll be able to repair it before spending money.
-Set a budget for yourself before entering the shops. Yes, thrift stores are significantly cheaper than typical stores, but be sure you keep your main goal in mind: to save money.
-Try on clothes before purchasing them. If a store doesn’t offer changing rooms, wear gym shorts or leggings so you can easily try clothes on over them. Remember that even if something is too large, you can always get it taken in.
-Be patient. Thrift shopping can be a long, tedious process and you’ll most likely have to visit multiple locations. Don’t get frustrated if you can’t find what you’re searching for right away. Give yourself plenty of time, pack a snack or two for when you’re on the go and enjoy the hunt.
This is the previously mentioned “Thrift Shop” video by rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis. It has profane language that may be considered offensive by some. Viewers discretion is advised.
