
The thrill of finding an amazing deal at a thrift store can be exhilarating—and it’s easy, if you shop like these thrift shopper pros. Here are a few secrets they’re letting out of the bag.
1.Location, location, location:
Which neighborhoods have the best thrift and consignment store finds? According to Bethany Beldner, a thrift store shopper, whose Instagram account is followed by more than 36,000 people, wealthy neighborhoods near her definitely have a lot to offer, but prices are higher. “Depending on which thrift store you go to though, the store may increase the prices of nice items. Some thrift store employees are very knowledge when it comes to brands,” says Beldner. Nikki Mateo of Los Angeles California, has a different thrifting experience in her area. “I’ve had better luck finding pieces in shoddy parts of a big city than in affluent suburbs. Probably because the former is more diverse, so you’ll get a lot of eclectic designer and costume pieces and unique furniture and decor over second-hand t-shirts from the Gap,” says Mateo.
2.Size matters:
Many thrift and consignment stores, including thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL are well-established non-profit stores, . For-profit thrift stores usually have stricter guidelines for the merchandise they accept and the price tag is generally higher because the store and consignor need to be paid. “In my experience, privately-owned thrift stores tend to be smaller and don’t offer as great of a selection because they’re not getting as constant of donations,” says Beldner. Fabulous finds can still be had, especially on higher-end clothes, handbags, and accessories.
3.Best seasons to shop:
Back-to-school sales in July, white sales in January… there is always a better season to shop deals at retail stores. But what about thrift stores? “Thrift stores seem to be overflowing with donations, especially during the spring and summer months. Not only do garage sale leftovers usually get donated to Goodwill, but there is something about the warm weather that causes people to clean out their garages and declutter their homes. “During the winter months, I see less new inventory come in,” notes Beldner. And make sure you know these 40 shopping tricks that bargain shoppers swear by to save money during the holiday season!
4.Get the inside scoop:
Seasoned thrifters know the discounts are even better when you have the inside skinny. Sales and special promotions via store apps, newsletters, and text alerts give notice to deeper discounts. If you’re visiting a store for the first time, ask about the specials or look for signage. “Often thrift stores will have fliers posted in the store informing shoppers of upcoming sale days,” says Beldner. “Some stores will run sales daily and others are weekly.” For example, the Goodwill stores in the Chesapeake region in Maryland offer a 30 percent discount to all college students, teachers, and senior citizens every Wednesday. These are the other 13 things thrift stores and consignment shops won’t tell you!
5.Opposites attract:
Most women wouldn’t browse the men’s rack for clothes, but Maria TenHave-Chapman always looks it over when she hits up her local Goodwill or Salvation Army store. “Clearly, the fit is a little different so you’ll have to know what works for you, but looking through all departments is definitely worth it. I’ve found some really good finds in the men’s department,” says TenHave-Chapman.
6.Vintage goods:
If you like to rock an expensive look in your vintage threads, try antique stores. While not a typical thrift store, some carry vintage clothes alongside antiques. TenHave-Chapman loves to stroll the antique warehouse near her home for vintage clothes. “My best finds have been heavy winter coats from the 1950s with fur collars and silk linings.” If you’re looking for designer labels, but not sure the Chanel suit you just found is legit, try searching The Vintage Fashion Guild’s resource library for designer labels, furs, and fabrics.








