Thrifting has seen a surge in popularity over recent years. Influencers and bloggers worldwide are touting their vintage finds. Television shows like Pawn Stars and Garage Wars have made buying second hand popular, profitable and mainstream. I mean it is pretty fun to score a deal on a unique antique or a sweet leather jacket!
Location, Location, Location
The area you live in will determine how successful your thrift experience is. For instance, we found thrift stores in California are brimming with designer clothes and unique vintage treasures. But, in a small town, the options are limited.
I've also realized that thrifting is more of a hobby for some. Browsing around and stumbling upon a treasure can be really fun! I used to enjoy popping into thrift stores, garage and estate sales and spending countless Saturday mornings perusing flea markets.
Thrift Store Prices Increasing
A few years ago I began noticing that Goodwill prices were soaring. I have friends that would buy college textbooks from Goodwill until the company began plucking out the expensive books and selling them on a separate platform.
Goodwill used to be the place to score brand name clothing with tags still attached for a steal but now if you walk into one and pick up a brand name item, the price is higher.. much higher. I have seen J. Crew shirts at Goodwill for $15. Even basic, off brand, stained and torn dresses are being sold for upwards of $13!
Modern Thrifting
As my trips to thrift stores like Goodwill lessened, I began frequenting stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls. These stores are like a modern day thrift store, in that, you still have to dig a bit to find a treasure. I started discovering designer duds for prices that rivaled thrift stores. I've purchased many dresses from regular retailers that are brand new and under $13! I have also been able to find better deals on blouses from Ann Taylor and Talbot outlet stores than I have from thrift stores.
I am all about saving time and money for my family. Since time is money I have noticed that it's more effective for me to shop department store sales like Belk, Kohl's and Macy's from the comfort of my home.
Time is Money
Since becoming parents our time is more limited now, as you can imagine. I've also never been a marathon shopper and tire easily at all of the overwhelming choices. I now prefer to go in and grab what I need and get out. (Having a toddler in tow will do that to you) ;-)
The availability of internet on our cell phones now have driven us out of stores and ordering more online. The brick-and-mortar stores seldom have our sizes in stock and we are much better equipped to find the best deal by cross referencing stores on our phone.
I save a ton of money by comparing prices of retailers online. I was able to redecorate our entire bedroom for under $300, bed included, which I shared in this post and by simply price matching online stores I was able to save over $100 on our bed - just by checking other retailers!
There you have it! Finding the best deal and saving time and money is what we are all about. This is what has been working best for our family during this season of life.
I encourage you to seek out an alternative option for your next purchase and see what turns up! You may just save some money by performing a simple Google search. Oftentimes retailers are dropshipping and their prices all vary.
~Crissy
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