Thrift Store Shopping: A Complete Guide
Thrift shopping is a great way to shop in a sustainable way, locate great vintage pieces, and support a variety of charitable organizations. But what can you find at a thrift store? What is worth buying? And how can you find the best deals?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about thrift shopping.
3 Benefits to Thrift Shopping
Shop Sustainable: Buying second-hand is a great way to reduce waste. Every year landfills are filled with nearly 140 tons of waste in the U.S. alone. By donating your unwanted items, you are reducing waste. And by purchasing second-hand you are creating a demand to save those items.
Get Better Pricing: Thrifting allows you to score high quality goods at a much lower price. You’ll find brand name clothing, quality kitchenware, and rare vintage pieces.
Support Your Community: By shopping at a local thrift store, you are supporting your community. You are providing local employment, and, in many cases, supporting a charitable cause.
What You Can Buy at Thrift Stores
In most cases, you can find just about anything at a thrift store. Many times, you can get top brands and even unused items. Here are a few things I look for when I go thrifting.
Vintage Pyrex and Ovenware
I have found Pyrex, Corningware, Fire King, Fiestaware, and Glasbake while thrifting. It’s definitely hit or miss but I have scored some great pieces.
Vintage and Collectible Books
To my own surprise, I have come across leather bound Harvard Classics, a first edition Hemingway Novel, and a limited anniversary edition of the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. It’s also a great place to find inexpensive books for your children or to donate to the school library in an underprivileged neighborhood.
Vintage and Brand Name Clothing
There is no reason to pay retail for clothing. And shopping retail is far from sustainable. According to oldhamcountywater.com, About 1,800 gallons of water are needed to produce the cotton in a pair jeans, and 400 gallons to produce the cotton in a shirt. You can find top brand names for jeans, jackets, dresses, handbags, and more. And many times you can find quality vintage clothing to add to your collection or resell. Just try everything on and check the garment for tears, stains, or odors.
Holiday Decor
Decorating for the holidays can be expensive but you can find just about everything you need at a thrift store. I have found some great vintage holiday decorations to use in my home and some to sell. Everything from vintage ornaments, to glassware, and even vintage Lefton and Napco figurines.
Furniture
You can find chairs and sofas, dining tables, desks, bookcases, and more at a thrift store. I found a gorgeous vanity with the mirror from 1890 at a thrift store. I have also purchased a 1960s desk and a 1960s Singer sewing table with the machine at a thrift store.
Home Decor
Need a piece of art, a basket, a lamp? Why not check out the thrift store first? I have found some wonderful lamps, paintings, and tons of great baskets at thrift stores. The shelves are filled with all kinds of home decor. I also like checking out the home organization aisle. I’ve scored some great finds there as well.
“Thrift shops are my favorite places for inspiration, you never know what you’re going to find. It’s a treasure hunt.”
When is the Best Time to Go Thrift Shopping?
Sale Days: Know your thrift store sale days. Many stores will have different sales on different days. For example, the store might have a special sale every Wednesday or give a bigger discount on Small Business Saturday. Check with your local shops to find out.
Be an Early Bird: While there is no definitive “right time” to hit up a thrift store, I have found that going on Monday and Tuesday and going right at opening are the best times to catch the new merchandise that was donated over the weekend.
Persistence: Visiting frequently is the best way to learn the ebb and flow of your local store, see the variety of items, and increase your chances of finding more goods.
Warning: Thrift shopping is an addiction. Proceed with caution and a good grasp of your budget. ;)
In all seriousness, thrifting is a great way to find unique items, great gift ideas, shop sustainably, and support your community. So the next time you think about heading out to go shopping, hit up your local thrift shop first. You might be surprised by what you find.
Share Your Thrifting Finds With Us
We love seeing what you find while thrifting. Share your finds on Instagram and be sure to tag us @voyagetovintage. You might get featured in our stories!
Choose to reuse. Choose second-hand.
XOXO,
Anna Kat
