Have you ever Googled, Thrift Stores Near Me? If you have, you know that there are treasures galore at prices that will make your friends roll their eyes.
If you haven’t asked this question, get ready, because we’re going to help you find the most awesome deals ever. There are thrift stores near you, no matter where you live.
What is your favorite way to answer the question, “I love that jacket, where did you get it?”
Some people would be forced to name a regular store with a high sticker price, but if you are anything like me then the answer is “I found it at a thrift store for 5 bucks!”
I found my favorite leather jacket at a thrift store for $5. The jacket was originally from a fancy London department store, but somehow it made it to a thrift store in Florida.
You never know what you are going to find in a thrift store, but that is part of the fun. Some days you will hit the jackpot, other days you will leave the store empty-handed. If you visit thrift stores consistently, then you will likely be able to find a great deal for yourself.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1 Best Thrift Store Chains to Visit In Your Area
- 2 Fund Raiser Thrift Stores
- 3 How to Find the Best Store in Your Area
- 4 Online Thrift Stores
- 5 How to Get the Best Thrift Store Deal Possible
- 6 Things to Look for in Your Clothing Finds
- 7 Thrift Store Shopping Can Be Surprisingly Fun
- 8 Some Killer Thrift Store Deals
- 9 A Final Tip
Best Thrift Store Chains to Visit In Your Area
Most in-person stores offer a wide variety of potential treasures. It is entirely possible that you could find a good deal on clothing, kitchenware, furniture, entertainment, and more.
The benefit of shopping in person at a thrift store is that you can evaluate the condition of an item effectively. Especially with clothing, it is easy to spot defects that could be hard to miss through online shopping.
And if you’re on vacation and realize you forgot an important piece of clothing … jacket, coat or something else, you can usually Google, Thrift Store Near Me, and find what you need for a buck or two. Steve & Annette from MoneySmartFamily.com have done this several times with their kids and always found deals at the major thrift store chains.
Goodwill
A national chain of thrift stores that is full of treasures. Most stores have an extensive selection of books for under 1$. And in Phoenix Steve & Annette from MoneySmartFamily.com told me that every other Saturday is 1/2 price day. There are super bargains there.
If you search for Goodwill Thrift Stores near me, you should find some great options.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army is a great spot to look for clothing. Generally, the selection is unique with a wide range of sizes and styles.
The Salvation Army has websites that are city specific. So the easiest way to find a Salvation Army Thrift Store near you is to search Google.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
If you are looking for gently used furniture, then this is a great place to look. I was able to furnish my apartment very affordably through Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
This is also a great resource for home remodels. If you’re looking for kitchen or bathroom cabinets, sinks, tubs, flooring, ceiling fans and other appliances – this is the place to find a deal.
Find a Habitat for Humanity Re-Store near you on here.
Savers
Savers is also known as Value Village in certain parts of the country. It is a super thrift store that has everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and books. No matter what you are looking for it is possible you could find it here.
They have more than 300 locations in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Use this link to find a Savers near you.
Fund Raiser Thrift Stores
These types of thrift stores are usually “one-offs.” Started by a charity or group of philanthropic individuals, they exist to raise money for their cause. These types of thrift stores can either be super disorganized and cheap OR very “boutique-ish” and expensive. You’ll have to visit to see what you have in your area.
Hospice Thrift Stores
The items found in a hospice thrift store can vary widely. Typically, you can find great deals on homeware and clothing. They also will have medical equipment. We’ve seen wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches, crutches, knee scooters, and walking boots.
Most major cities have a hospice thrift store.
If you search for Hospice Thrift Stores Near Me you should find a few.
Pet Rescues
Many pet rescues have accompanying thrift stores to help pay for the upkeep of saving animals. It is tempting to shop here if only to help pets in need. In addition to the general assortment of things you can find at a thrift store, many pet rescues also have pet-related things.
Most thrift stores do not have a pet section, so this is a great place to look for gently used items for your beloved pet. It can be shocking how much simple things like toys and beds can cost at a regular store, so this shopping trick could save you a ton of money.
Just do a search for pet rescue thrift stores near me and you’re sure to find some great deals.
Religious Institutions
Many religious organizations have a small-scale thrift store. Typically, they use the profits to support charities in their communities. The items here will vary widely, but usually, the donations come from the members of that congregation.
Another way to find a good deal is to keep an eye out for regular rummage sales. Many churches have a similar sort of sale, which sale is like a thrift store, but it may only happen a couple of times a year.
Just search for Church Thrift Stores near me and you should find some new resources.
How to Find the Best Store in Your Area
If you want to quickly find thrift stores near you – use these websites.
An easy way to find the thrift stores in your area is with the use of the “Near By” tool on Google.
Search Google Maps for Thrift Stores Near Me and you’ll get a map of your area’s thrift stores.
It will create an easy list of most of the thrift stores in your area. If you know what you are looking for, then sometimes you can narrow down your thrift store search to specialty stores.
Some stores can be specific in their offering. For instance, there are many secondhand bookstores that can be a great place to find books. Potentially, you will have a better chance of finding something you want to read at a thrift store dedicated entirely to books.
Through Google, you should be able to narrow down the list of stores.
Thrift Stores Locator – The Thrift Shopper
The Thrift Shopper is a website that is devoted entirely to thrift stores and thrift store reviews. You can search for a good thrift store via your zip code or city. The site has over 12,000 listings of charity-driven stores. Plus, there are over 45,000 reviews to help steer you in the right direction.
Take a Look at the Neighborhoods
Many thrift stores are donation based, so it makes sense that thrift stores in affluent areas would have nicer finds than a thrift store in a less wealthy side of town. With that in mind, you may want to focus your thrifting efforts in the nicer neighborhoods.
One easy way to do this is by simply checking out property values on Zillow. Look for an area that has consistently high property values. Once you find these affluent areas, look for thrift store shopping opportunities nearby.
The prices on items in these areas may be slightly higher. Keep in mind that the items are also probably a lot nicer than the items in other areas. Even with the slight price increase, you are still likely to find a good deal.
Yelp
As with other restaurants and stores, some thrift stores can be featured on Yelp. The reviews on the site can help you tell if it is worth a visit to the store. I would recommend paying attention to these reviews, it can be valuable to know what other shoppers thought of their experience.
Online Thrift Stores
Brick and mortar thrift stores can offer great deals. However, you will have to prepare yourself for some potential digging through many less than great finds. The deals will happen some days and others you will leave without a prize, that is just how thrift shopping is.
It can be frustrating to shop at a store and find nothing after you have made the effort to get yourself there. An alternative to running around town for deals is through online thrift stores. The internet is home to many reputable online thrift stores.
The online downside to online thrift stores is that everyone can easily hop online and find these deals. So great deals will usually go fast, make sure to jump on the ones that will work for you!
Which online thrift stores offer great deals?
Goodwill
Through Shop Goodwill, you will have the ability to bid on a variety of items at auction. Many of the items come in lots, but certain items will stand alone.
In addition to rare finds, you will be able to buy household essentials and entertainment items. You will have to deal with an auction style bidding system, but you may find an amazing deal from the comfort of your home
ThredUP
ThredUP is my favorite place to find online deals on clothing. It is the world’s largest online clothing thrift store, so the variety of deals offered here is amazing! Many of the clothes are designer, but the prices are very affordable.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a great place to look for deals on clothing and accessories. Unlike other thrift stores, it is a direct interaction between the buyer and the original owner. One great feature is that you can contact the seller to negotiate a better price.
Good Twice
Good Twice is another clothing thrift store that can offer great online deals. On your first order, you only have to pay 99 cents for shipping. It is worth trying something on for size!
Ebay
There are a number of Goodwill Stores and other thrift stores that sell items on eBay. Steve & Annette have purchased a number of books and movies there and have always had a good experience.
How to Get the Best Thrift Store Deal Possible
My best tip for saving money at a thrift store is to only buy the things you need. If you go to a thrift store and buy something you did not need just because it was on sale, then you did not really save any money. However, if you are in need of some items then a thrift store is the perfect place to save money.
Discount Days
Many thrift stores offer special discount days throughout the year. Some stores even have a weekly half-price day. You should check your local stores to see what days offer these extra savings.
It’s common for thrift store chains to use colored price tags. These colored tags are discounted on specific days of the week. This is a method they use to clear out the older clothes to make room for newer things.
Discounts for Seniors, Students, Military and More
You know which category you fall into. Most thrift stores have additional discounts for certain groups. Even teachers have special discount days at certain stores, so just be sure to check with your local stores to see if they offer a discount for you.
If they do offer the discount, then don’t forget to bring your ID.
Ask When Your Thrift Store Restocks
Every store has a different protocol for stocking. Ask to see what days new items hit the shelves. Once you know this valuable bit of information, you can plan your trips strategically. You want to be around to buy the new items before anyone else has a chance to take the deal.
Look Closely at Clothing Sizes
Shopping for clothes can be difficult at any store because of a large variation in sizes. Before you check out, make sure that the clothes fit you correctly. Nothing is worse than getting home and realizing that your clothing purchase is just not going to work.
Many smaller thrift stores have an “as is” policy with no returns. The larger chains like Savers and Goodwill don’t allow cash refunds. But they often allow returns for in-store credit within 7 days of purchase. Check with the manager to confirm.
If you have the option, I recommend trying on clothes before you buy them. For more tips on buying clothes, check out this article.
Shop Offseason Clothes
It is always a good idea to buy offseason clothes in any store that you shop in, including thrift stores. A winter coat is likely to be cheapest in the summer, but a tank top will probably be on sale in the winter.
It can be annoying sometimes if you are looking for something in season, but if you plan ahead then this is a great way to save.
Stores for All Seasons
Another awesome thing about thrift stores is that they usually have every season of clothing in stock.
I have a friend who traveled often for business. A few times he forgot to bring a heavy enough coat for the weather he was going to experience. Of course, he could have gone to a retail store and paid full price. But, instead, he went to a thrift store and found what he needed for 90% of retail.
This is especially helpful if the retail stores have changed their merchandise for the next season. Often it’s difficult to find winter clothing in stores in March or April when it can still be cold in the northern climes.
Shop Thrift Stores Often
The more time you spend at a store, the more likely you are to find a great deal. Visiting a store once or twice a week should ensure that you always have access to the best deals.
Steve & Annette shop thrift stores in Phoenix twice a month on “Half Price Saturdays.” They have been able to find almost all of their clothing this way. But beyond clothing, they’ve found housewares and lots of Christmas presents for their kids and grandkids.
Get Creative
Sometimes you will not be able to find exactly what you are looking for. Do not be discouraged! You might be able to creatively craft something that turns out even better than your original quest.
For example, I was looking for wall art to brighten up my apartment. I could not find anything that I loved, so I bought a couple of old wooden picture frames and repurposed them into colorful pieces. You always have the option to get creative with your finds.
Negotiate
Sometimes items will have exceptional wear or small damages. You should take the opportunity to negotiate prices with the staff if you find a piece like this. It never hurts to ask!
Use Coupons If Possible
Some stores offer coupons frequently. Make sure to take advantage of those savings!
Make Sure Electronics Work
Most thrift stores will have outlets that you can use to test electronics before you buy it. You’ll want to test the product before you buy anything electronic.
Things to Look for in Your Clothing Finds
As you look through the store, you’ll want to pay special attention to a few things.
Stains
Just because a clothing item has a stain does not mean that it is ruined. It is possible that you will be able to get the stain out. If you are having trouble with a stain then check out our list of stain removing ideas.
Also, make sure to check the underarms of shirts and collars. I would not recommend buying something that is heavily stained. Collar stains are very common on men’s dress shirts.
Stretching
Make sure that clothing items are not stretched out. A commonly overlooked stretch area is the neckline. And be sure to check for snags, ripped seams, and moth holes. Also examine waistbands, underarms, any elastic, cuffs zippers, and crotches for defects.
Zippers
Ensure that they work! One of my first thrift store mistakes was buying something with a broken zipper.
Tears
Check for rips, holes, and tears before you buy anything. Check everywhere, including the crotch area!
Thrift Store Shopping Can Be Surprisingly Fun
If you want a new hobby – perhaps thrifting could be for you.
Related Article: Interesting Hobbies
Emergency Vacation Shopping
Sometimes you forget something important on a vacation, like a jacket in Alaska. Instead of forking over a large sum for an emergency jacket that you probably won’t love, try finding a jacket at a thrift store.
Since you are in a totally new area, it is likely that the selection will be appropriate to your locale. In fact, a thrift store addition to your vacation outfits might help you to blend in with the locals.
Steve & Annette once visited a thrift store in Colorado while on vacation. They were amazed at the number of hiking boots in the store. The majority were in excellent condition and priced super cheap.
Souvenir Shopping
You can also shop for souvenirs at thrift stores. Instead of paying at least $20 for a shirt at the overpriced gift shop, you have the option to check out the local thrift stores. You never know what kind of memento you will find, but it can definitely be worth the trip!
A thrift store can be a fun place to buy memorable souvenirs without the sometimes outrageous price tag. In fact, on my last vacation, I bought a small souvenir box for $5, but I probably would have paid at least $25 if I had gone to a regular shop.
Mugs with city or state names are an easy to find souvenirs at thrift stores.
Thrift Store Hack
Thrift stores are great places to get deals for things that you need. However, many people are not willing to look through the store to find good deals. Since you are willing to look for the best deals, you can profit from your thrifting skills!
If you find an excellent deal but don’t need the item then you have the option to sell it. Once you buy it for the lowest possible price, you can sell it to either a consignment store or through an online marketplace like eBay. Depending on the find, this has the potential for some great profits!
Some Killer Thrift Store Deals
There are so many awesome deals to be found at thrift stores. Here’s just a shortlist from me and Steve & Annette.
Tuxedo. Perfect for the occasion and only $10.
New toys. A “Little People Sit and Stand Skyway” was in its original box with all of the pieces and instructions still sealed in plastic. At a retailer, the game costs $30, but it was priced at only $3.99 in a thrift store.
Leather jacket. A snazzy new jacket for $15, but there was a $10 bill in an upper arm pocket.
Books. I am an avid reader of books. I always need a new book, but I rarely pay more than $1 for a book. One time I was able to buy a brand new Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Trees for only 10 cents! Usually, a book like that would cost at least $15.
A set of plates. When I got my first apartment, I was able to find a nice set of plates for only $3. I still use them today!
Classic record. I found an original Johnny Cash record for only $1. It was one of my favorite albums, so it was amazing to find a working record at such a great price.
A Final Tip
Always make sure to ask about a return policy! It is always nice to know if you have the option to return something or not.
For more tips and ideas for thrift store shopping, check out our Today Show Thrift Store and Consignment Store Challenge.
Author: Sarah Sharkey – Staff Writer
Founder of AdventurousAdulting.com
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