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January is a hot month at thrift stores

Posted Jan 02 2009, 01:06 PM by Karen Datko
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This is something that retailers won't want to hear, but January is a particularly good time to shop at thrift stores, The Thrifty Chicks advise. Thrift store shelves and racks are full of end-of-year charitable contributions of things and Christmas gifts the recipients didn't like.

Before you go, get over the silly notion that "if it's not new, it's EWW." Once there, follow the shopping tips from The Thrifty Chicks, a site dedicated to thrift store shopping. "Our tips will turn a novice into a master," thrifty chick "Ms. Shopping Golightly" says.

This site make a powerful argument in favor of secondhand stores.

For instance, you:

  • Cut out the middleman. A lot of stuff sold on eBay and in "funky boutiques" was purchased at thrift stores and marked up, it says. 
  • Get more value with each dollar. In comparison, retail store prices for new stuff will seem "obscene."
  • Help the environment. That new-to-you item is already here, and isn't a new thing that sucks up even more resources when it's manufactured, packaged and shipped from overseas.

The Thrifty Chicks is loaded with great thrift-shopping tips. The No. 1 tip for getting the best deals: Go often.

Among others:

  • Use a shopping cart. Even if you don't fill it, you'll need both hands to plow through all the items, including things that other shoppers have attempted to hide in anticipation of a storewide half-off sale.
  • If you find something great, put it in your cart and keep looking. People who donate often bring in multiple items, and you'll score big if you really like their taste.
  • Of course, you're not being frugal if you buy things you don't need.

Related reading:

The thrill of the hunt: Shopping secondhand stores

Discounts hiding in your wallet

50 ways to trim your budget

Yard sales: 6 things to buy and how to get a better deal

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Comments

 

i  agree thrift  store  shopping is  awesome  maybe  just  maybe  if  more  people  would  do  it  maybe the  regular  stores  would  take  the hint  and  lower  their  prices  afterall that  is    why  i  shop  at  second  hand storesyou  can  get  some  really  good  deals, by  the  way  some  second  hand  shops  are  high  and  if  they are  i  think  it  is  greed why  not  keep  the  prices  low  and  affordable.

mary (Posted 01.02.09 8:15 PM ) Report Abuse

Not sure if any of you are from Baltimore, MD, but Greater Baltimore Medical Center has a "Nearly New Sale" twice a year.  The selection of cloths, toys, books, belts, pocket books, etc is wonderfu and they have Ann Taylor, JCrew, clothsl.  The sale lasts a week and the last day of the sale, anything that you can shove in a brown grocery store bag is $3.00 (it's called Bag Day).  All the money is than donated to the Hospital.  My point is check out your local hospitals, etc. they may have something similar. One man's ceiling is another man's floor they say.

Slyfox (Posted 01.02.09 8:18 PM ) Report Abuse

Yard sales and thrift stores are fabulous sources of great stuff. I bought over $8000 worth of merchandise in 2008 for a little over $400. Thrifty Chicks have a lot of great ideas, and the best one is to go often--can't get the deals if you don't show up!

Queen of Fifty Cents (Posted 01.02.09 8:51 PM ) Report Abuse

There are three thrift stores within two miles of my house. I recently went to one where in the past I've scored some pretty great jeans at VERY great prices and the store seems to have "higher quality" clothes.  I was SHOCKED by their prices-not thrift store prices, more like consignment or a big sale @ a retail store prices.  I agree with Terri, they are definitely taking advantage of the fact that more people are shopping thrift and not new.  It's too bad for the organization that receives the proceeds from the store.  I then found a once worn pair of Franco Sarto boots at the store across the street for only $6.99!!!  I have two small kids and have saved so much $$ by buying their clothes at the thrift store-I don't worry if it gets paint or food on it while they are at preschool!

Jen (Posted 01.02.09 8:52 PM ) Report Abuse

P.S.  I bought my son a book called "The Ultimate Transformers Guide" to go with the Optimus Prime Transformer I knew his Grandpa was getting him for Christmas.  Thrift store price: $1.91.  Brand New Retail Price: 14.99.  

Jen (Posted 01.02.09 9:08 PM ) Report Abuse

I have been shopping thrift stores for years.  I have seen my share of good and bad.  I try to go once a week just to look for books for myself and my children (we are all readers).  My current favortie author is James Patterson and I have been finding his hardbacks for 1.91 compared to $20.00 at book stores/  Personally,  I love the thrill of the "find".  That great deal that makes it all worth it.  Happy shopping!

thriftyshopper (Posted 01.02.09 9:18 PM ) Report Abuse

Terri: Your local Goodwill may have raised their prices  due to economy. I was advised recently by several thrifts in my state that donations were way off in 2008 as compared to previous years due to the economy. In order to make up some of that

shortfall, prices have been raised in many stores of all kinds,including thrifts, acknowledging that this is not the best time for same, particularly in thrift stores where most of the merchandise is donated to them.

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http://moneysavingcoupons.org

Mark (Posted 01.02.09 9:54 PM ) Report Abuse

I sure that in some cases the stores are raising their prices to take advantage, but also I wonder if they may have to as their expenses go up also, such as gas, electric, etc. Just a thought.

ann (Posted 01.02.09 10:09 PM ) Report Abuse

Addicted to thrift shopping. Best finds lately was an oak computer desk, no dings for 37.50. a Yamaha keyboard for 45.00. Oak coffee tables with two end tables for 165.00 and two original full size oil paintings for 17.50.

A whole set of onida stoneware 8 place settings for 18.50. Our local Esate sales store has half price Sunday mornings and we never miss.

Pam (Posted 01.02.09 10:22 PM ) Report Abuse

Estate sales are another place to go. We have found one that has half price Sunday and have bought things like a Yamaha keyboard for 45.00, oak desk 37.50 Oil paintings 17.50 and coffee and end tables of better than new quality.

Pam (Posted 01.02.09 10:38 PM ) Report Abuse

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