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COLORADO THRIFT STORE DIRECTORY

Thrift-Style Dressing: It's Frugal, Fun and Helps Others

Forget "retail therapy." Shopping thrift stores can be just as satisfying — and won't break your bank account.

by Roberta Rand

More and more people are discovering thrift store shopping as a way to stretch tight budgets. Partly “thrill of the hunt,” partly a cheap, practical way to expand your wardrobe, shopping at thrift stores has become popular with people of all ages and walks of life.

TIPS FOR THRIFTERS

Is It Worth Rescuing? Remember, torn fabric is one thing, but a separated seam is easy to repair. If a button is missing, look for extras sewn near the hem, or one that can be moved from a less visible place where it doesn't matter if the replacement matches.

Spotting Quality. Look for the store boutique section. These carry finer pieces with better labels like Guess or Ralph Lauren. You can also spot quality by just touching the garment and looking at the fabric content. Wool, linen and silk have a “hand” that seasoned shoppers will recognize immediately.

Estimating Size. Can’t find a size label? Measure across the back of your shoulders for a guide in determining the size of a top. Don’t have a tape measure? Ask for one at the sales counter. With men’s suits, look in the breast pocket for a size. Note the way the garment hangs. The shoulder seam on bigger sizes will hang off the hanger. The sleeve on a bigger size hangs closer to the floor.

The Miracle of Dry Cleaning. Dry cleaners can make many repairs and alterations quickly and inexpensively. If a garment is only wrinkled, try to visualize it cleaned and pressed.

Stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army have discovered what retail department stores have been practicing all along: good marketing techniques. Imaginative displays and improvements to the look and layout of stores has turned “thrifting” into a pleasant shopping adventure that can yield quality fashion finds, gently worn, for a fraction of what you’d pay for “new.”

Lookin’ Sharp on a Dime

No longer the gloomy, dirty and disorganized second-hand shop of the past, the new thrift store boasts a light, airy interior and easy-to-navigate clothing displays. You can find not only quality used clothing, but new merchandise donated by department stores.

For those who don't want to be tied to just one fashion era, thrift stores are a great alternative; along with newer styles, you can find "retro" fashions from the 70's, 60's, 50's and back. Nostalgic for the 1980's trend of quarterback-size shoulder pads? Miss the days of body-hugging stirrup pants? Or maybe you just prefer your cowboy boots already broken in. Whatever your fashion preference, you can find it at a thrift store in your area.

If you haven’t stepped inside Goodwill or Salvation Army for awhile, you might be happily surprised to find:

* Bright, cheerful lighting

* Clean dressing rooms

* Racks organized by size, color and style of clothing

* Separate Plus-size sections

* Sections for kitchenware, appliances, toys and collectibles

“Goodwill has worked hard to upgrade store facilities and locations,” says Nyirjes Bragale, a spokesperson for Goodwill Industries Int’l. “Many now have reading areas around the book section; some stores even have cafes.” Salvation Army stores have also upgraded their look with carpeted showrooms and walls painted in light colors to give shoppers the feeling of being in a regular retail store. Some stores explicitly sell vintage clothing and antiques. Others may specialize in furniture and sports equipment. And although Goodwill and Salvation Army do not launder donated clothes, quality control ensures that torn or badly-soiled clothing doesn’t make it onto the showroom floor.

Best Times to Shop

When’s the best time to shop? According to Bragale, donations are at their peak in December – when folks are donating items they can write off on their taxes. Garage sale season is also a good time to find packed shelves; those with sale leftovers often just pile up what’s left and drop it off. Check in frequently, because items move quickly and you never know what treasures might have your name written all over it!

Sales and Discounts

Here’s some good news: stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army feature senior discounts for those 55-plus. These stores also have frequent sales, which can mean half off already low marked prices. Be sure to check frequently for information on upcoming sales. On sale days, shop early! Just like with a yard sale, the best merchandise is snapped up by Early Birds!

Shop for Bargains and Help Others at the Same Time

Certainly, Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores provide excellent value for just cents on the dollar. Just as important, your patronage — as a shopper and a donor — helps Goodwill support countless training programs for the mentally and physically disabled. When you donate to or shop at The Salvation Army, you also help fund the Salvation Army’s social programs and relief efforts around the world.

So get thriftin'— it's a "win-win" situation for everybody!

Copyright Roberta Brand

If you have any interesting stories or tips about shopping at thrift stores please e-mail us at CBHcontact@gmail.com.