However, there are old ones. There are stinky ones. There are vintage ones, over-priced ones, new ones, trashy ones, ghetto ones, high-class ones, and even some questionable ones. In each of these stores, is atleast one article of clothing, furniture, jewelry, book, record, movie, or electronic that has value to YOU. The "how-to" here is ... finding it. I live, currently, in Tampa, FL. Alot of the thrift store around here are older. I particularly LOVE South Tampa, where the more "vintage" bargains are typically found- because that's my style. When you know it's a great store, well, ... you'll know! The associates there will recognize you, and welcome you. If they don't, and they are not busy, then most likely you wont find anything but over-priced items, handled by under-paid associates who day-to-day hate their job. RUN as fast as you can! =P
Most importantly, a great find may be 3-4 hours of searching away. It may also be on a mannequin... (yes, I've pulled down a few mannequins in my thrifting adventures). Look everywhere. Search HIGH and LOW - from wall to wall. You WILL find something. Alot of times, thrift stores may also take donations, or trade-ins. A few in particular that I shop to will accept donations (both, big and small) and with ANY donation- you receive a $5 off $25+ purchase. Don't be afraid to ask, hence, their job is all about taking people's oldies and creating other's newbies. Many thrift stores also have "Sale" dates. Often times, they have either a calendar of events, or a flyer, email sign-up, or a Facebook (networking) site. Check, and ask around to find out those event dates.
The difference between "Thrift Stores" and Boutiques is very simple. Thrift Stores are not there to hurt your pockets. They are simply originated based for the homeless, less-fortunate, and needy. Boutiques are also very nice, but typically more expensive, and the people selling their goods are usually compensated in return with a certain % of the profit sales. In other words, Boutique's will often times charge a higher price-point for something because they have the need to also pay the original source of donated item- whereas, thrift stores just want to profit off of free, donated goodies, and will SOMETIMES be willing to nearly give it to you for nothing, just to make room for new donations. Another place which is very quickly growing is Goodwill and Salvation Army. Both places (as well as many thrift stores) have colored tags on each item for sale. Goodwill is raising prices, and isn't too consecutive with each piece. Salvation Army, if hit on the best sales-dates, can be a huge hit, or a huge miss. Visit, or call ahead of time for Salvation Army to see what kind of colored-tags are on sale.
Hopefully, I have given you some great tips for the "what-to-look-for" and pointers on where to start. If not, EMAIL me any questions you may have and I will respond asap!
If you're looking to thrift in the Tampa Bay area, here's some worthwhile spots to check out:
*Salvation Army- (Rating: 3 out of 5)Small, organized, clean, quiet, and great location. Great parking in the rear of the store.
2815 South MacDill Avenue
Tampa
*Second Image Thrift Store- (5 out of 5)A must-see!! Where I find nearly ALL of my finds.
Organized, friendly, GREAT SALE DAYS. The only "cons"- It's old, location is a busy
intersection, hard-to-find parking, dressing rooms are hot and small, not the cleanliest
of places.
| 2419 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33609-3303 |
*Sunshine Thrift Store (Tampa)- (4 out of 5)The largest of all thrift stores I have shopped at. Older, yet very organized. Decent sale days, selection is very wide. Huge electronics and home goods section. Great dressing rooms, fairly clean, easy location and shared parking lot in small shopping center.
| 4304 South Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33611-1427 |
*Goodwill (Tampa)- (3 out of 5)Great selection, only negative is Goodwill's pricing. It's not always consecutive and reliable. They don't have sale days, so you either buy it when you see it, or you may never see it again. Easy location, plenty of dressing rooms, clean, organized, HUGE store.
| 4102 West Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL 33614 *Goodwill (Oldsmar)- (4 out of 5)Other than it being brand-new, and cleaner, it's the same as the one prior to this location. (See above)3929 Tampa Road Oldsmar, FL 34677-3104 I have a good friend (her blog HERE) who lives in NYC and I promised her I would research some thrift stores/ locations she should check out and possibly do some kind of review on them through her blog. ;) Check her out, she's EXTREMELY fashionable, fun, classy, intelligent, and was my inspiration to blog! :) *Vintage Thrift Shop United (seems very chic, but looks like it may be a little on the "pricey" side, due to it's vintage selection) 286 3rd Avenue New York *SALVATION ARMY- (okay now, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG HERE!! Seriously, hit or miss!)
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