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The Everywhere, Every Day, Treasure Hunt Store

10/3/2015

26 Comments

 
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There’s probably one in your own neighborhood, or if not, definitely in the next one over.
 
First, ignore the downside.  Yes, they’re known for bad lighting; a funky (although not unpleasant) smell, and more than a teensy bit of disorganization. 

Second, watch your step upon entering.  That’s because, often near a back door, there might be a half dozen paper bags casually stuffed with who-knows-what, waiting to make their way to the Promised Land on the other side. 
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Yup, I’m talking thrift stores.

In this underemployed economy (count me in here, along with everyone else I know), I head to my favorite one once a month.  It’s just a mile away and like so many, run by a local church.

I might leave with a very gently used sweatshirt or hoodie or two.  Maybe a high end nightshirt or dress that, amazingly, fits perfectly.  Perhaps a few pairs of flip flops, which we wear in this part of California in just about every kind of weather.  Oh, and perfect picture frames and fluffy bedtime socks and even a hair blow dryer.  

Lots of times, I’ll find exactly what I came in for, all for a song.

When our high energy dogs do sleep, it’s on garishly colored afghans atop their special beds. And books. Lots of books, particularly children’s books, although sometimes there are stacks of recent New Yorker magazines and classic titles to be had as well.  Open a drawer or two in my kitchen, and you’ll see vintage Pyrex casserole dishes, muffin trays and oodles of wooden spoons, all of which I use, and all of which are thrift store finds.

Of course, it shouldn’t be surprising that clown pals have scored some great loot while on the road. 

One has found heavy-duty storage trunks (a necessity for keeping wardrobe, makeup and props clean and organized), while another has purchased all manner of musical instruments, including steel drums, a concertina and lots of brass horns.  And, perfect for those huge arena audiences, one more circus colleague exited with a black and white plaid dinner jacket sporting a velveteen lapel.

Of course, given that one person’s junk can be another’s treasure, there are those really awesome thrift store finds.

Indeed, the social networking and news website Reddit has its own online bulletin board for bragging about these special hauls.  Recent posts found one member taking home a Wolfgang Puck panini press for $3.99; another buying a dreadful kitten clock so bad that it’s good, and a collegiate fashionista who scored with new boots and a trio of retro dresses, including one for under five dollars. (Check them all out here, at www.reddit.com/r/ThriftStoreHauls/)

If you’re a traveling guy or gal, there are also a number of sites and blogs featuring photos and descriptions of the best thrift stores in the entire country.  It makes sense to have more than a handful of the greatest ones in Portland and Austin, but who would have thought Hawthrone, New Jersey?  Here, fab threads from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s start at three bucks each—and fill dozens of jumbo cardboard boxes from floor to ceiling.  (Go to http://www.luckyshops.com/slideshow/best-thrift-stores-america?bak=best-thrift-stores-america#slide-1 for more details.)

Yet, it wasn’t until I brought my daughter home that I even thought about entering a thrift store.  

(Although, true story:  years prior to this, I took Marlon Brando’s first wife, Anna Kashfi, out to lunch.  Over fabulous fried chicken, she told me how much she liked thrift stores, and how very disappointed she was that her son Christian hated the idea of shopping at them.)

You see, I had a decent chunk of dough in the bank back then.  But once I discovered the price tag for new baby clothes, and realized my child would be growing out of them in a hurry—the topper was two weeks—it seemed not just wasteful, but silly, to buy brand new duds.  I was living in West Hollywood at that time, yet soon found myself driving to a small consignment store in Burbank, geared toward the littlest among us.

Without realizing it, I was ahead of the curve.

In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012 saw more than 17,000 of these storefronts dotting the United Sates, and that same year, they employed more than 145,000 people.  In five years, it’s estimated that about 175,000 folks will receive a regular paycheck from one of these enterprises.  (Let me do the math for you: that’s a 20 percent jump.)  Given these numbers, it’s no surprise that some of the bigger thrift chains, such as Goodwill Industries, rake in more than $1 billion—yes, that’s the letter B—in annual sales. 

Here’s more: a USA Today feature from three years ago reports that a full 20 percent of our population regularly cruise thrift store aisles.   One of those persons quoted is a homemaker in upscale Sebastopol, California, who says that 95 percent of her household items have come from her three-times-a-week shopping excursions to these stores.  Another shopper, a 30something freelance writer based in New York City, says that trolling thrift store aisles allows her to dress like other women in her office without breaking the bank.  (Here’s the entire article:  http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/story/2012-07-05/thrift-shopping-trend/56037332/1) 

But let’s face it: unless you’re a many-times-per-month thrift store consumer, and/or cruise around our 50 states looking for the place that suits you best, you may not find quite as many cool items as those who post on Reddit. 

But really, does that even matter?   For me, just wandering through one of these establishments—whether it’s my tried and true standby, or one I’ve stumbled upon in another town—and then being open to what I might find, is often a lot more entertaining than limiting my options before even walking in the door.    

Especially when you understand this simple fact: there’s always hidden booty to discover.  If you don’t find whatever that may be to you at one store, go to another, and if not on that visit, try another.

Because once you’re hooked, you’ll know, for sure, that thrift stores really are today’s Everywhere, Every Day, Treasure Hunt Store. 
 
What treasures have you brought home from a thrift store?   I look forward to hearing about your finds!     
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26 Comments
George
10/3/2015 01:27:05 pm

We have an upscale thrift store in upscale Senastopol (though a lot of us here definitely are not upscale) named Aubergine (French for eggplant) there is a purple Citroen out front with the Effiel Tower on top. I have a whole wardrobe of flannel shirts, a great flannel lined Levi jacket, a couple of beret, a belt, other shirts and some other things. When my daughter visited from New York, Aubergine was at the top of her list of places to go.
Women do the best there, in as much it is about two thirds women's clothing. Young women especially come up with some very stylish and surprising combinations. What I like is that I can find all cotton items that are increasingly hard to find at full price stores. Also the local dump has a recycling center for objects too good to throw away. Some great finds there. I got my favorite plate there and a lamp which I've had for years now.
There are so many things that have lots of wear left in them and it is a shame to let them go to waste.

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Hilary
10/3/2015 01:40:55 pm

RE: Aubergine, I wonder if that's the store in the USA Today article I linked to... Hubby has also found his most comfortable shirts at his favorite thrift store. I also love the idea of the local dump having recycled items as well.

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kerri
10/3/2015 01:57:16 pm

What a great blog, and what a fun topic to comment on.... because I LOVE thrift stores! I go all the time! If I don't buy something I see that day, it haunts me, and I inevitably go back the next day to snag it before someone else does. I love that you can buy something you wouldn't indulge in otherwise- like a car, it's already depreciated. And I never mind buying something I may later decide I don't need, because they are run by charities (almost always, right?). Or if I decide I no longer want something, I can turn around and donate it myself, or sell it at the next garage sale. It is so AFFORDABLE, and yes, you can find some real treasures. My husband has more than once purchased something and turned around and sold it for more than he paid. That's always nice! Let's all keep it our best kept little secret, though, shouldn't we?! I can't bear the thought of someone beating me to my deals!

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Hilary
10/3/2015 02:44:06 pm

I especially like going into a thrift store and buying something for, oh, a quarter or so (like a picture frame) that I know goes for 200 percent more than that at a retail store. Many of the items I've purchased may not be new, but really are barely used. And given the rapid growth of the stores, shopping there is no longer a secret, I'm afraid. :)

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Larry Grant
10/4/2015 01:14:56 pm

When I need shirts, dress or casual, I'm usually successful at Mission Thrift in San Luis Obispo. At $2.00 each.

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Hilary
10/4/2015 02:00:02 pm

My second favorite. I've found two great dresses there for $4 each! xo

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leslie spoon
10/4/2015 08:56:11 pm

Hilary I love thrift stores!!!! I have been going to them since I was 18. The people who run them can be just as strange as the things that I find there. They are a strange breed of people. My favorite stores are in Morro Bay. I have found things from all over the world for my house. I don`t think that I will ever get tired of shopping at thrift stores.

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Hilary
10/5/2015 07:51:17 am

Yup, you just never know what you'll find in one... and the people who run them, who you would never meet otherwise. :)

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pam thomas
10/4/2015 09:22:53 pm

There is one in Los Gatos that I think you would love! Mostly designer second hand goods. Nice.

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Hilary
10/5/2015 07:55:13 am

Los Gatos is a pretty upscale community, so, there you go! There's one that used to be in Burbank that featured clothes worn in TV shows and movies. When I worked for Star magazine and needed a fancy dress to cover the Oscars, I went there... I didn't really consider it a thrift store, but would now! Anyway, I found a pretty turquoise dress. It had been worn by an actress who played the best friend of Victoria Principal in a TV movie titled Mistress. :)

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Cynthia
10/5/2015 08:21:47 am

Hilary, I love thrift shops. We have a lovely one here in Windham called Kargos
https://www.facebook.com/Kargoswindhammaine?ref=br_rs
I like to go to Goodwill once in a while. We find blouses and skirts and fun items for the kitchen and garden. I don't stop in too often though as I don't seem to be out and about lately without someone in the car who does NOT want to go thrifting with me.

One day I passed some furniture on the side of the rode that looked really nice. It was a rattan sofa without the cushions. I bought it for $20 and the guy brought it to me in his truck (just down the rode from my house.) So it turns out the sofa is from a chichi Maine shop that was $2000 with cushions brand new. I have since purchased outdoor cushions and pillows online along with fabric at fabric.com. This is my winter project. I will paint the rattan. I think it will cost me about $200 **including** the matching CHAIR which he brought to me on the truck. It had been in his garage and he thought I might want that too....He took another $10!!
I also love to shop for vintage jewelry and have learned a lot about it. I have many fun brooches and not enough time to wear them all. Some of my favorites are just old Sarah Coventry or old AVON items.

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Hilary
10/5/2015 09:13:23 am

Wow, you SCORED with that rattan sofa--even though it wasn't at a thrift store... YET. What's cool about that find is you can now use the fabric you like best, instead of the fabric that was originally part of the sofa. Our Goodwill here is small and tends to be expensive and a bit more disorganized. What I like about my favorite one, which is run by a church, is that they will often give you an item for next to nothing. I've seen very poor folks come in and the clerk tells them to take what they need... like some dishes, a few clothing items, etc. They also have those bag sales, where you bring in your own bag, any size, and can fil it up for $5. Don't think Goodwill has anything like that, at least not around here. :)

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Laura Patterson
10/5/2015 07:34:46 pm

Hillary,
My 19 old daughter loves thrift stores so she can buy vintage clothing!

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Hilary
10/5/2015 08:58:04 pm

I bet she has found some amazing dresses, with matching belts of course, and purses! :)

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Kim
10/6/2015 08:09:17 pm

Thrift stores are my passion. They support my other passion-Disneyland. My closet is 95% thrift store bought clothes. Came home with a bag of books today. One year for my birthday, I requested: a plotted out & driven day of yard sales from my sister. We had the best time. 3 weeks ago I got 100's of dollars worth of Star Wars toys and figures from one garage sale-the whole bin: 5$. thrift stores and yard sales are awesome.

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Hilary
10/6/2015 08:53:46 pm

Here's what's so cool about your comment: you get needed stuff from thrift stores and garage sales so you can use the money you've saved for a different passion--going to Disneyland. For me, getting stuff from thrift stores allows my family to go out for dinner and a movie every now and then, activities we would not be able to afford if I shopped retail. Apples to apples! :)

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Kim
10/13/2015 07:12:03 am

Smart cookies! Other ways we pinch pennies: rarely eat out and if do-often split plates & order water with dinner-all 5 of us. Picking up, instead of delivery-choose 2 x 5.99 dominoes pizza deal, instead of Round Table which we much prefer! And we make our own coffee rather than go to Starbucks. Going there feels like throwing money away. Its considered a 'big splurge' date to go there. : )

Jackie
10/8/2015 05:35:47 pm

Love, love, love thrift stores! Some of my most favorite wardrobe pieces have come from consignment stores.

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Hilary
10/9/2015 01:52:29 pm

We're in the same choir here! I just scored a beautiful turquoise turtleneck AND a box of multi-colored pushpins for a total of $1.75. :)

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Jackie
11/29/2015 05:28:47 am

Update: a new thrift store opened up in town, and I scored an authentic pair of black cowgirl boots (Tony Lama's made in Dallas) for $8.00!!! Yeehah!

Marianne Erickson
10/12/2015 05:40:01 pm

Hilary, this thrift store article was really well researched and written. Thanks for taking the time to write a story that makes all of us thrift store shoppers feel normal! My favorite finds in thrift stores? A needlepoint/velvet backed pillow that I use in my car all the time, several "interview" suits and a green winter coat, plus some Oneida bowls that are truly my favorite for ice cream!

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Hilary
10/12/2015 06:54:44 pm

Oh, I bet that green winter coat is fabulous. Don't know if I could pull that one off! In addition to the kitchen items I mention in the post, I've also found some great plates and cups... always when they're not something I'm really looking for, but just have to have them! :)

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Cindy
11/4/2015 01:47:17 pm

Very fun post Hilary! Just went thru some great thrift shops in Long Beach, WA - so many crazy and wonderful finds. Just wish things from my childhood weren't already considered "vintage!"

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Hilary
11/4/2015 03:53:33 pm

It really is amazing how many items from my childhood have come back in style. But of course, who knows what will be worth saving--or better tossing out--at the time? :)

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Susan Jordan
11/9/2015 10:15:12 pm

I haven't really bought a lot for myself at thrift stores, but I do go looking in them sometimes for kitchenware for a shelter I help cook for. The closest I've ever gotten to finding a treasure of sorts was in a used book store in my 20's: I had always been missing one volume of the Trixie Belden series I loved reading as a child. Well, there was the missing volume in a bookstore in SLO County (where I went to college)! My mom was driving, so I read the book on the way back home to L.A. I hadn't really read any of the books since I was about 10 or 11, so I was surprised to find really good vocabulary in them. I always did well in that subject at that age, and from reading this long-lost volume at a much later age, I discovered these books may have helped with that. :)

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Hilary
11/10/2015 03:42:21 pm

A used book store definitely qualifies as a thrift store of books! And, as you so succinctly pointed out, you can often find treasures at these stores when you're not even looking for them. That's the fun and adventure of this sort of shopping. :)

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    Hilary Roberts Grant

    Journalist, editor, filmmaker, foodie--and a clown! 
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