by Liz Sinclair

Created on: September 17, 2009

Thrift stores are full of donated clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry - generally used - all selling for a partial cost of what these items would cost new. Savvy buyers can stock a wardrobe with a small budget and a good dose of patience and flexibility. Thrift store shopping is also good for the environment, as all those used clothes and accessories don't end up in landfills.

For those new to thrift store shopping, ask staff or volunteers which days new shipments of clothes are put out. Stores often add fresh stock on a Thursday or Friday to be ready for Saturday, the busiest shopping day. Arrange to stop by on a lunch hour or after work on the day new stock is put out for the best choices.

Although charities will accept all donated items that are in reasonable condition, many thrift shops make an effort to keep stock on the sales floor seasonal, that is, to stock warmer clothes in winter and lighter clothes in summer. This makes seasonal clothes shopping much easier.

All used clothing at thrift stores is pre-cleaned, usually dry-cleaned, because of health regulations.

Thrift stores usually have bargain bins, full of out of season clothing, or items that have been in the store for a long time, all selling for a few dollars or less. Looking through these bargain bins can take some time, but can often yield treasures, such as velvet scarves or cashmere sweaters in summer, or vintage bathing suits and summer tops in winter.

Thrift stores often sell new clothes with store tags still attached. A common sight in thrift stores is new infant and toddler clothes, perhaps given as gifts, that have never been worn.

Thrift stores may also provide a place for merchants to donate new goods and claim a tax deduction. Often a thrift store may have a standing arrangement to accept clothes, shoes, and accessories from local outlet stores. Thrift store shoppers get new items at a fraction of the original prices.

Thrift stores often permit bargaining, and this will save even more money. Bargaining is possible if a customer is buying multiple items, or is interested in out-of-season items, such as sweaters in summer or shorts in winter. If the person asking is a frequent shopper at the store and known to staff, requests for price reductions are more likely granted.

Regular shoppers, who get to know staff at a certain thrift store, will usually find themselves receiving special attention. If staff members know that a customer is looking for a particular item, or type of item, they will keep an eye out and put it away for a favorite customer. They will also advise of upcoming sales or specials, or newly donated goods that are not yet on display.

In some countries, the tax office considers thrift shop sales to be charitable donations, as the money is often going to fund social programs for charities, and taxpayers can use receipts for tax deductions. This represents yet another way to save money by buying at thrift stores.

If nothing else, thrift store shopping teaches patience, and flexibility, hunting through racks of clothing, or returning every week, to find bargains. It is also a reward, akin to a treasure hunt, and can lend a sense of fun, of adventure, to shopping.

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