Author: Steve Clark

Hi! I am Steve Clark, a marketing manager at a thrift store. I Have been working in the thrift store industry for the last five years.

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News & Updates Thrift Stores Tips & Tricks

The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting For Clothes

Thrifting for clothes has been around for ages but it’s really having a moment now thanks to the rise of sustainability efforts, particularly in counter to fashion’s reputation as a mega polluter. It recently reached the pop cultural sphere, with Princess Nokia’s single “Balenciaga” hailed as a thrift shopping anthem of sorts.

But knowing how to thrift shop isn’t as simple as it might seem – it takes a fair amount of know-how to ensure you’re successful at it and not just running on luck. So we’ve compiled the ultimate guide on how to thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL , with advice on how to approach the experience, thrifting tips on searching for pieces, and what to avoid. For specifics on how to avoid copping fake streetwear in vintage shops.

It’s also worth noting that there are differences between thrift stores – or charity shops as they’re known in the UK – consignment stores, vintage stores and the like. Thrifting takes a lot more time and patience, but the payoff of finding a gem for a steal of a price is unbeatable. Nonetheless, this guide will also serve you well whenever you’re shopping for second-hand clothing.

Before You Go Thrift Shopping

Not all of these thrifting tips are necessary for every time you want to go charity shopping, but they do enhance the experience and maximize your chances of successfully finding and taking home something.

Preparation

Research where to go ahead of time

If you’re intending to hit a few stores, make a list and map out your route, as thrift shops are often clustered together. This way you won’t miss any in the same area and you’ll be able to gauge how much time you’ll need. Once you’ve compiled a list, keep tabs on the best thrift stores for future reference.

Have an idea what items you’re keen to pick up

Knowing what you’d like to find will give you direction, but leave room for spontaneity as well. Thrifting clothes can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack, so it helps when you know that it’s a needle you’re looking for in the first place.

Browse your own closet first

This is a good starting point if you’re unsure what items to go for – it’ll give you ideas of what you might need in your wardrobe and/or items that’ll work with what you already have. It can be useful to take photos on your phone of pieces you’re aiming to match something with so that you have them on hand.

Consider donating from your own wardrobe

Before or after a big thrift shop it’s worth going through your closet and passing on things you no longer wear. Think of it as thrift karma and keep the cycle going. For higher-quality items, consignment stores offer cash or money to spend in-store when you trade in.

Check out apps for thrifting tips

These days there are lots of apps that do everything from mapping out the best thrift stores in your area to digital marketplaces where you can buy and sell. It can help to check for stores in a new city, getting an idea of prices on particular items, or simply for inspiration. The Thrift Shopper lists thrift stores in the US, while ThredUp is the world’s largest online thrift store, but is limited to women’s and kids clothing. Additionally, there’s Depop, ASOS Marketplace, Vinted, Etsy and increasingly more vintage resellers on Instagram.

On the day

Make sure you’re in the mood

It almost goes without saying but if you’re not up to the task on the day you’ve set out then postpone. You’ll set yourself up for failure if you don’t want to go before you’ve even begun.

Go with a friend who’s also keen on thrifting

Not essential for those who prefer to move swiftly at their own pace, but going with a friend – one who won’t tire and give up immediately – can make the experience much more fun. It’s also helpful since you can give each other advice on finds.

Don’t go hungry

Another obvious point but again, an integral one. Thrifting can feel like an endurance sport at times, so set yourself up well. If you’re planning a big day thrifting for clothes then bring water and/or snacks as well.

Don’t rush through it

Taking it easy will help you enjoy the experience and up your chances of finding something, so block enough time for your planned route and remember it’s a marathon not a sprint.

Set a budget

This is especially applicable to curated vintage stores that tend to charge higher than charity shops, but it’s important to set a limit for yourself so you don’t get carried away. Just because the items are cheap, relatively speaking, doesn’t mean you can go overboard.

Wear something that’s easy to change in and out of

Thrifting outfits should be comfortable with shoes that aren’t annoying to take on and off, since you’ll be doing a lot of it. Some stores don’t have changing rooms so be prepared to change on the shop floor if you have to. In this case wearing form-fitting undergarments like a tank and shorts underneath your clothes will save you feeling intimidated if you have to strip down in a corner of the store.

Bring cash

Many stores are still cash only and the ones that take card will often have high minimum purchase amounts, encouraging you to spend more. Bringing enough cash will take the second guessing out of paying and also help you stick to your budget.

Bring canvas/reusable bags

Many thrift stores either don’t offer carry bags or rely on single-use plastic ones, so bring your own. Also don’t carry a big backpack or too much stuff with you – you don’t want to be weighed down while you’re browsing.

During Your Thrifting Trip

Figuring out how to thrift shop well is essentially a process of searching and editing – finding something interesting is only half the battle, it’s knowing how to wear it or whether you can alter something to fit that really elevates thrifted goods.

Browsing

Start off with what you’re looking for

Keep in mind what items you’re chasing and start off in that area to avoid being overwhelmed by the selection when you first enter. This’ll set you off with a direction instead of aimlessly walking around.

Practice scanning for items

Looking over every item is impossible, so the trick is to get good at scanning for things on the rack or in bins. Focus on one area at a time and look for things that stand out at you, be it color/fabric/style. This’ll save you time and make the experience feel less laborious than painstakingly going over everything in detail.

Give your chosen piece a quick once over

When you find an item you like, give it a quick once over. Check for obvious signs of wear and tear, whether the size looks like it’ll fit properly, etc. You’ll do a closer examination later so you don’t need to take too long here.

Do look for items that are out of season

Often they’ll be priced cheaper and you’re more likely to catch a great winter piece when everyone else is thrifting outfits for summer and vice versa.

Do think unisex

Keep an open mind about scouring both men’s and women’s sections, since increasingly clothes aren’t gendered and items are sometimes misplaced in other parts of the store anyway.

Read the vibe of the store and move on if it’s not working for you

Some stores are tailored to a particular type of style, which will become clearer as you traipse though the inventory. If you start to feel it’s not your vibe, it’ll save you time and energy to move on before you tire yourself looking through everything.

Ask the clerk

If you’re trying to find an item in particular, it can pay to ask the shop assistant if they’ve seen something like it. However, bear in mind the best thrift stores to do this in are the smaller, curated ones. Photos of what you’re chasing come in handy here.

Be patient

Successfully thrifting for clothes comes down to a number of things but patience is tantamount. It really is a case of right place, right time, as well as having a keen eye, but patience is what will turn your thrifting game from amateur’s luck to a seasoned pro.

Trying on

Make yes/no/maybe piles

Take the clothes you’ve found and go over them again, splitting them into these three piles. Once again, you don’t have to spend too long here as there’ll be further opportunities to cull your stash. Using your initial gut instinct is a good way to go.

Try everything from the yes and maybe piles

There’s no way around it, you have to try everything you’re intending to buy on to make sure it fits correctly. This will help you narrow down your selection even further – if the idea of trying something on is already irking you, it’s a good sign you don’t really want it.

Trying on by kind is a good approach

Stores often have limits on how many items you can try on at once, so if you have to split up your stash then grouping items together can be helpful. For example, trying on all of the pants you’ve picked up will make it clearer what works and what doesn’t, before moving on to another clothing category.

Learn how to identify easy alterations

This is a tip that’ll save you both money and grief (from realizing after you’ve bought something that the alteration you wanted to make is much more effort than it’s worth). Knowing easy alterations from major structural changes on a garment will help you decide whether to keep or let go of something. For example, pants can easily be tailored shorter, but a blazer with shoulders that are too wide isn’t a simple and cheap fix.

Look at the tags and consider the fabric

This will help you identify how easy an item will be to launder and whether it’s worth its price. A common example is the sheer amount of polyester items in thrift stores. There’s nothing inherently wrong with polyester garments and in some cases it’s the preferred material, but if you think you’re paying premium for top-notch fabrics like silk or wool, it’ll be a smack in the face to find out it’s synthetic once you’re home.

Ask yourself if it’s something you’ll actually wear

Thrifting for clothes is fun but it’s easy to get carried away. This is where a friend will come in handy and help you reign it in if you’re in danger of buying things in the moment that you’ll honestly never wear.

But don’t be afraid of taking risks

Thrift shopping is a much cheaper and eco-conscious way of trying trends, so have fun with it and branch out a little from your usual picks.

After trying on, take another quick look in the store

Once you’ve tried all of your stuff, get back out there and quickly browse the racks one more time. You’ll have a better idea of what you’re after now and that item you scanned over earlier might be hiding in plain sight.

Examining items/paying

Decide on which items you want to buy

Similar to how you made piles for trying on, go over your selected items one more time. This is the final stage of the editing process, so consider how each piece will fit into your wardrobe. Ask yourself: Do you already own something similar? Was everything with the fit alright? Going with items you only truly love is helpful here.

Now examine them very closely

You should have already caught major flaws such as stains or rips, but now go over each piece in closer detail, including turning the piece inside out to check the lining. Look for stains/rips/snags/loose hems/missing buttons/faulty hardware/tags that have been cut off/overly smelly garments, etc.

Check the tags if you haven’t already done so

Tags on vintage items provide many details that can be the deciding factor if you’re on the fence about something. For example, knowing the fabric or how easy a garment will be to launder.

Consider if it’s actually worth the price

Often things will be overpriced and just because it’s cheaper than buying new in a store, doesn’t mean it’s worth the labeled amount. It also pays to check back regularly, as sometimes items are reduced if they don’t sell.

Know when to ask for a discount

If the item is flawed then ask for a price reduction. Additionally, some stores offer discounts to students/veterans/teachers.

Respect the pricing strategy

Some stores sell by weight, others may negotiate and some are firmly priced. It’s fine to ask for a discount if it’s valid, but each store is different so respectfully keep that in mind.

Most stores have a no return or exchange policy

This is the reason why many of the pedantic notes above are necessary. It’s worth thinking that little bit harder about whether you really want something, as more often than not you won’t be able to return it.

After You’ve Thrifted

Aftercare

Wash your item before wearing it

You should have an idea of how easy the piece will be to clean by now, so put it in the wash in order to freshen it before wearing. Some stores wash pieces themselves or only accept freshly washed clothes, but it’ll take the guesswork out if you just do it yourself.

Air out pieces that can’t be washed

If it’s not easy to wash, put your garment on a hanger and let it air out near an open window – this’ll refresh the piece and get rid of slightly musty odors that might be lingering from the store. Alternatively, consider dry cleaning if necessary.

Do alterations soon after buying

If you need to make adjustments, do so soon after buying your piece. This will ensure it doesn’t get relegated to the back of your closet and forgotten about.

Keep in mind

Start off by integrating one thrifted item at a time

If you’re unsure how to integrate thrifted pieces into your wardrobe, start off with one item per outfit rather than a full look.

Remember where you bought your pieces

It’s useful to remember where you bought things and check back often – if it’s an independently-run store, chances are the owner/buyer has great style and it’s likely you’ll find many more items there in the future. You can also ask how often they restock and plan to go then.

Don’t be disheartened if you weren’t successful

Some days just don’t work out and it’s important to be ok with that. Each time is different and new stock can appear every day, so keep an eye out and check back in from time to time. The piece you’re looking for is still out there.

Thrift while traveling

Checking out local thrift shops while on holiday, be it close to home or in a foreign land, is a great way to merge local fashion history and culture. At best, you’ll end up with unique pieces that’ll serve as eco-conscious souvenirs for years to come; at worst, you’ll leave empty-handed but with insight into what the locals found fashionable in decades past.

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News & Updates Thrift Stores Tips & Tricks

How to Thrift Shop

Savvy shoppers realize that one of the best skills to have is knowing how to thrift shop. That’s because secondhand stores are frequently lined with wares that are in exceptional condition. Not even the most seasoned shopper is immune to an occasional bout of buyer’s remorse, and when making a return isn’t an option, perfectly fine and gently used clothes wind up on racks of thrift and consignment shops.

This type of green business actually makes it possible to score unbelievable deals — and save some cash — on like-new clothing. And with Earth Day being today, thrift shopping is a timely topic to learn about.

Being people who work with cold hard numbers, we wanted to know a bit more about the facts and figures behind thrift and consignment shopping, namely: How much can you save with secondhand clothing from thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL ?

How to Shop at Thrift Stores

Look for Markdowns of 50% to 80%

Schneider says the average discount a shopper can find on apparel in thrift stores is upwards of 50% off. And the savings don’t even have to stop at the 80% mark. “Many stores offer additional discounts,” she says. “If an item does not sell in 30 days, it’s marked down an additional 20%, and if it does not sell in 60 days it is marked down another 20%.”

So if you’re on the fence about a blouse or pair of jeans, it might be good to revisit the shop in a week or so to see if the thrift store prices have dipped.’If an item does not sell in 30 days, it’s marked down an additional 20%, and if it does not sell in 60 days it is marked down another 20%.’

That said, there’s a risk. Items in thrift stores and consignment shops are almost always one of a kind, and leaving something on the rack today means it could be gone tomorrow. If fit, style, and price all intersect in an ideal sweet spot, you’ll want to purchase the item then and there.

But if those “back in style” acid-wash jeans feel like an impulse buy, Schneider says to hold out, especially if the price feels a bit high despite the discount. A $400 leather jacket at 50% off will still cost $200, and that’s a high price tag. “Make sure you’ve done your research to see what the going rates are,” and price-check your purchases, says Vanessa Rae, a lifestyle expert; there might be similar styles selling new for less money.

Seek Out Clothing and Other Deals

With such high potential discounts, Americans are saving a pretty penny by knowing how to thrift shop for clothes. As of April 2019, the estimated revenue for the thrift stores industry was $10.2 billion, with an average growth rate of 2.3% from 2014 to 2019. That includes purchases of furniture, home appliances, books, and clothes… lots of clothes.

Join the Movement

At least 15% of Americans shop at these resale stores. This rough estimate is a combination of two statistics from America’s Research Group that were cited by NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals. First, about 16% to 18% of Americans shop at thrift stores each year, while 12% to 15% shop at consignment/resale shops. If these percentages seem low, consider that 11.4% of Americans shop in factory outlet malls; 19.6% in apparel stores; and 21.3% in major department stores yearly, putting the thrift category right in the thick of things.

And no matter what you might assume, those shoppers come from all levels of income, according to NARTS: “There is no typical resale shopper, just as there is no typical resale shop.”

Watch for New Thrift Shops Opening Near You

Although 15% of Americans may seem like a low number for those who visit secondhand stores, evidence suggests that thrifting in general is on the rise. Based on stats from NARTS, the number of resale stores has grown approximately 7% a year over the past two years. Now, the U.S. has more than 25,000 resale, consignment, and nonprofit resale shops.

Buy Secondhand, Help Save the Planet

Thrift stores and consignment shops are obviously savvy options for anyone who feels strongly about lessening their impact on the environment, as these stores are able to combat the clothing industry’s immense carbon footprint; every article of clothing resold cuts down on the environmental cost of apparel production.

Schneider says: “When you buy secondhand, less items travel thousands of miles [and] use up energy and pollute the planet. And wearing gently-worn clothing means keeping those items out of landfills.”

Indeed, recycling-conscious consumers help drive the popularity of thrift and consignment. That said, if you’re a do-gooder on the donating side of the thrift equation, we recommend you give to notable nonprofits; big names in the industry include Goodwill and the Salvation Army, among others.

Know the Difference Between Thrift and Consignment

While most resale stores appear to be the same to shoppers, definite distinctions exist. According to NARTS, a resale shop is a store that buys its merchandise outright from individual owners. A consignment shop, which is a subset of resale, pays the owner a percentage when and if the items are sold — usually 40% to 60% of the selling price.

And a thrift shop is run by a nonprofit to fund a charitable cause.A consignment shop pays the owner a percentage when and if the items are sold — usually 40% to 60% of the selling price.

Too loose to categorize for retail purposes (but a close cousin to a resale endeavor) is the yard or garage sale. Here discounts run extra deep on clothes, though shoppers also run a higher risk of buying damaged or stained goods, and not finding out until it’s too late.

By contrast, consignment shops (especially in high-rent neighborhoods) stake their resale reputation on closely inspecting garments for rips, tears, and the like, making the resale experience as close to new as you can get.

There’s another category worth mentioning, as it can yield cashless bargains and eco-friendly results: the clothing swap. Planning your own event with fashion-conscious friends and acquaintances offers a twofer where you can clean out your closet and update your wardrobe in one outing; leftover clothes get bagged up and donated to thrifts.

Beware of the Drawbacks

As Rae sums up, the common roadblocks involve fit, style, and wardrobe basics. First, the resale mentality best fits those who, well, don’t obsess over fit. There might not be much difference for a guy shopping for a Large sweater versus XL, but a cute blouse will likely come in one and only one size, and it might be a tad tight or loose.

“Finding pieces that fit usually requires a sense of adventure and a lot of patience,” she says. Then there’s style: That one Gucci handbag you spot might have a shockingly low sticker price, but come in a color you don’t like.

And finally, thrift shoppers will have much better luck finding layers and add-ons as opposed to solid wardrobe basics, though getting to know your local consignment owner can aid in this endeavor. “When the owners and shop employees can get to know you and your taste, they can look out for and let you know about items they think you’d like,” Rae says.

We’d love to report stats on the biggest thrift score ever, and many shoppers have stories about landing brand-new, $200-plus garments for about a tenth the cost. But alas, some numbers are not so much hard to confirm as open-ended. There’s something fun and cathartic about combing the racks like a modern-day treasure hunter and always finding a deal.

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News & Updates Thrift Stores Tips & Tricks

How thrift shopping can benefit an international student’s lifestyle

Ever since Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released their massively popular hit, ‘Thrift Shop’, more and more people are visiting thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL to try their luck in scouring for gems they wouldn’t find anywhere else.

And yet, some international students have qualms about thrift shopping, as they are unsure where to go for it, and hold concerns about quality of the items.

“I don’t really know where to shop for [second hand clothing],” said Amber, a university student from China. “And I’m hesitant in buying them because I don’t know who previously owned it.”

However, if you’re able to get past this notion, there’s one thing that helps make the idea of thrift shopping enticing for international students: if you know where to look, you can get quality outfits for dirt cheap.

Why pay outrageous amounts for a simple piece of clothing when you can get it for so much less? If you’re lucky, you might even score name-brand items (sometimes high fashion, too) for not more than what you’d spend for a day’s meals.

“I like buying secondhand mainly because it’s cheap,” said Juli, an Indonesian international student. “Especially for items like winter coats – I managed to get one for $15.”

If you’re looking to change up your look and expand your wardrobe, op shops are the perfect place for being adventurous and taking risks with your choice of fashion. Where else can you find ‘80s style frocks and jeans for that price?

“I love second hand shopping because [you can] find items that are unique, not available in retail stores, or much loved discontinued items. There are loads of vintage items which I love, and places like op shops allow me to buy them at an affordable price,” Diyana, a Malaysian international student explained.

“I reckon my best find so far are the Italian leather boots that I got for $20,” she recalled. “They’re knee-high boots, well-designed, and in great condition; so I thought it was a steal!”

That being said, many of these items are one of a kind – sometimes you might not even know the brand of the jacket you discovered. And if the cut or design is distinctive, you could even be the subject of envy once you realise that you’re probably the sole owner of that awesome thread.

“These unique, most likely one-off pieces … sure help reduce the possibility of me bumping into another person wearing the same, in-trend items from labels that are so common these days,” Diyana said.

If that doesn’t entice you yet, consider this: you’re also saving space and reducing wasteful consumption by recycling clothing. You get to look stylish and help save the environment while you’re at it – one knit cardigan at a time! Additionally, various shops donate a percentage of their sales towards charitable causes, so you can also get a little philanthropic kick while you shop.

And remember those clothes you thought were a good idea when you bought it at the store but ended up in your closet, never seeing the light of day? You can also donate them to your local thrift shop. However, keep in mind that these shops aren’t dumping grounds. So first, you need to ask yourself: would you want to give the clothes to someone you know?

If you’re ready to dip your feet into the world of thrift shopping, here are some handy guides to help you know what to look for and get the most out of the experience:

Know where to shop

There are two places you can venture to in your quest to find second hand clothing: vintage shops and op shops. The former option tends to be a more organised shopfront, but they’re also more expensive – sometimes significantly so. If you’re looking for a bargain, op shops are where you should check out first.

Look around, regardless of your gender/size

Because really, you never know what you’re going to get so have a look in every nook and cranny of that store before you really decide on what to buy.

Plus, ‘boyfriend’ cuts are back in style.

Buy out of season

It may be spring now, but you can do no wrong buying a winter coat if it has a timeless, classic design. The same goes during cooler weather; that Hawaiian shirt or floral sundress would look good in summer.

So just buy it now so you can prepare for the next season much earlier!

Wash/clean them before use

These shops usually clean their merchandise before they put it on the racks. But for good measure, always clean the items you bought after you purchase them.

The best finds are discovered through 50% perseverance, 50% luck

To unearth that precious item, it’s best that you don’t come into a store with any expectations, and simply spend some time rummaging through aisles and piles of clothing.

Sometimes you might find an interesting item within the first five minutes of your search, other times you might leave with empty hands. But you’ll find that it’s all worth it when you strike gold and find that amazing dress for $5.

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News & Updates Thrift Stores Tips & Tricks

Thrift Shopping: An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Buy Clothes

What is Thrift Shopping and Why?

Have you ever heard of the term ‘thrift shopping’ before? Thrift shopping is taken from the word ‘thrift shop’, which is a store that sells pre-loved or second-hand stuffs that are still decent and wearable.

For some people, the image of “buying second-hand” can be dreadful and unimaginable. Thrift store itself has recently gained popularity and is considered as an alternative way to shop with its own benefits, especially in terms of the environment, thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL is your ultimate destination for shopping.

To illustrate, the textile and garment industry, specifically fast fashion, resulted in negative impacts towards the environment. Such impacts are namely water pollution, the use of dangerous chemicals, as well as the increasing amount of textile waste. In addition, garment and textile are mostly difficult to be recycled.

Clothes are indeed one of humanity’s basic needs. Even so, the fulfillment of such need does not have to cost our one and only earth. This is where thrift shop comes in and becomes one of the solutions in shopping for clothes while minimizing the negative environmental impacts.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, thrift shopping also has several other benefits as follow:

#1 Cheap Price with Relatively Good Quality 

Thrift shop di Pasar Baru. Sumber: simplyauthentic.id

One of the main reasons why people choose to shop in thrift stores is due to its super low price. In Indonesia for example, the goods and clothes that are sold usually range from as low as Rp 10.000, and it usually does not cost more than Rp 200.000 depending on the type of clothes.

Moreover, it can be implied that the clothes sold in thrift stores tend to be more durable based on the fact that it has survived one “life cycle” from the previous owner. Especially compared to fast fashion which tends to be easily worn out or stretchy after being used and washed for only several times.

#2 A Chance to Experiment with Style and Colors 

Clothes that are sold in thrift stores may not be that trendy or in-style, but it becomes all the more reason for you to be creative in mix-and-matching the clothes that you stumbled upon. You can even try a new style that you might not think of before.

Kredit foto: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

#3  The Opportunity to find Unique or Rare Clothes 

If you buy your clothes in conventional stores or shopping malls, chances are you might meet another person who wears the exact same clothes. In another words, the clothes that are sold in department stores and clothing stores are so mainstream.

That is likely not the case if you shop at thrift stores. Let’s say that you happen to find this cute floral skirt in your nearest thrift shops. Heck, you might even become the only person in town who owns that skirt.

Furthermore, thrift shopping opens up the possibility for you to find a hidden gem or limited-edition clothes that are no longer sold in the market.

What You Should Pay Attention when Thrift Shopping 

If you haven’t visit any thrift shops before, there are several things you need to bear in mind to before sliding into the nearest thrift shops, which are:

#1 Patience and Thoroughness are Keys! 

The crucial aspect of thrift shopping is patience, because there is no guarantee that we will immediately find the clothes that fit our taste.

Furthermore, since the clothes are second-hand, then you need to be extra thorough in choosing the things that you want to buy. This is important to make sure that there is no excessive damaged on the clothes that you buy.

#2 Decide on the Type of Clothes that You Want to Buy in Thrift Shop

Outer wear such as jackets or blazer are a good choice to be bought at thrift shops, since the price tend to be very pricey if we purchase it in malls or branded store.

Kredit foto: Amanda Vick on Unsplash

In contrast, clothes of intimate wear such as swimsuit or  underwear should not be bought at thrift shops due to personal hygiene. In addition, second-hand shoes are also not recommended because it’s susceptible to bacteria.

#3 Wash and Clean   

Again, because the clothes are second-hand, make sure that you wash it thoroughly before use. You can wash the clothes using hot water and soak it in detergent for several times to make sure that it is both clean and safe to be worn

#4 Modify Your Clothes if Necessary

If you find a piece of clothing with good motive but a bit “meh” on the style, bringing it to a tailor could be the perfect solution.

Ilustrasi menjahit. Kredit foto: Kris Atomic di Unsplash

Tailors can help you modify the clothes that you found in thrift shops to suit your style. For example, you decided to remove the enormous bow on that beautiful blouse because it is simply too tacky. Moreover, minor defect such as missing button or broken zipper can also be easily fixed.

Examples of Thrift Shop in Jakarta and Its Surroundings

After knowing the multiple benefits that thrift store can offer, and also about the helpful tips for thrift shopping, you are now ready to visit the thrift shops in town and adds some new clothes to your wardrobe without leaving a negative impact to the environment.

In Jakarta, there are several existing places that are known as the heaven for thrift shopping, some of those places are:

  • Pasar Senen, Central Jakarta: The thrift shops are inside the Pasar Jaya building, on the second floor.
  • Jatayu in Gandaria, South Jakarta: You can find various clothes with price from as low as Rp 20.000
  • Pasar Baru: Walk to the direction of Gedung Kesenian Jakarta until you find a brown-colored builduing. The thrift shops are on the third and fourth floors.
  • Vintage Vibes: Located in Flavor Bliss, Alam Sutera, BSD. This store does not only sell clothes, but also books, cameras, as well as electronic appliances. The price are a bit more expensive compared to Pasar Senen because it sells branded items.
Vintage Vibes, thrift shop yang terletak di The Flavor Bliss, BSD. Sumber foto: sociolla.com

Responsible Consumption

The act of shopping and consuming responsibly is becoming more important than ever because the impacts that those have brought to our environment are not trivial.

There are many things that we fought for behind the act of thrift shopping. To start with, purchasing second-hand items means that we are implementing the 3R Principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) by giving a “second life” to the clothes and items that are still in good condition. By not buying new items, we indirectly eliminate the possibility of textile waste, or any waste at all, that might end up in landfills.

In addition, thrift shopping also becomes one of the things that we can do in supporting the Circular Economy. Circular Economy itself is a system in which goods are produced, distributed, and consumed in a closed cycle. That way, there are no materials that become waste.

As a social entrepreneur in responsible waste management, Waste4Change supports both the 3R Principles as well as Circular Economy. Because at the core of sustainable consumption and production, the first and foremost thing to do is to reduce our waste, which is then followed by recycling.

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Thrift Stores

Thrift Store Shopping for DIY Fall Décor

Autumn is one of the best times to get new decorations. However, there is no need to overspend to make your place look extravagant and beautiful. Making DIY fall décor is a good way to start! It does not just save you money; you will also be doing Earth a favor.

Aside from fall clothing, thrift store shopping can give you the best home accessories!

Here are some of the best thrift store finds for fall.

1. Faux Flowers

While the assortment may regularly change in thrift stores, faux flowers are almost always present. You can either choose a beautiful arrangement or buy them per stem. Look for yellow or orange blooms. If you prefer white or light-colored petals, put them in a copper or gold pot to get that instant fall look. You can also mix some fresh plants to create a realistic autumn atmosphere.

2. Brass and Copper

Some thrift store home décor comes better in groups! How about a vintage brass or copper candlestick? While it may not be as attractive when used singularly, a gathering may create an impact. Use your favorite fall shade of candles and light them for a special dinner or other events.

3. Bottles and Jars

It is easy to find glass jars in thrift stores. You can use them as a pot for your colored flowers or as centerpieces for your tables. Paint them to get the tones of the fall season!

4. Old Books

Did you know that old books also make perfect DIY fall décor? You’ll see racks full of books at thrift stores! While others grab them for a good read, do not miss vintage or outdated books for their aesthetic quality. Get books that are in the same shades like burgundy, emerald, green, orange, and yellow for fall decorating. You can also use them to give your other décor some height.

5. Sweater Pumpkins

Knit sweaters make an excellent DIY pumpkin, and thrift stores have a lot of them! This beautiful thrift store home décor idea is very easy to craft. Just cut the sweater in half from the armpits. Create a running stitch along the bottom of the fabric. Pull it tight as you stitch around. After closing the bottom, add your stuffing material, creating a round shape. Leave approximately 5 inches of the sweater on top. Close the sweater by doing another running stitch. Add a piece of twine for the stem. Run some twine in sections from the top to the bottom to create ridges. Now you have a unique pumpkin for fall!

6. Baskets

While baskets are perfect for every season, they give such a great texture for autumn!

Why not add some extra storage around the house? Instead of spending on new plastic totes, you can use old baskets to store scarves, blankets, and even boots. Just give them a new color to match the season and your other décor.

7. Tin Cans

Repurposing an old tin can into a patio light can make for romantic fall décor! You’ll need snips or shears, a puncher, paints, and tea light to get started. Remove the can label and clean it thoroughly. Create holes in the can and paint it with a warm fall color. Insert the tea light into the can. Repeat this process to create multiple lights, and hang them on your patio.

8. Seasonal Throw Pillows

You can also make good use of old sweaters or flannel shirts to make beautiful throw pillow covers. Start by cutting off the sleeves. Be careful not to damage the seams. Place the pillow inside the fabric and center it with the pockets, buttons, or other embroideries to give it a unique design. Cut any excess fabric and just leave one inch on every side. Sew them together with the fabric turned inside out.

Once done, get the right side of the fabric out, use the center button to open, and insert the pillow. If your sweater or shirt does not have buttons, add a zipper to one end of the cover.

Give your home a refreshing look this fall season. All of these materials can be easily bought at Haven House, one of the best thrift shops in Destin, FL. Drop by and enjoy excellent DIY fall decor at a bargain!

Categories
Tips & Tricks

Tips on How and What to Give to Thrift Shops

Shopping at thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL is an effective way to save some cash, get quality goods, and keep the world a greener place. Secondhand items cost buyers less money and are often much higher quality than the (basically) disposables that come from discount stores.

And, ultimately, by continuing to use perfectly good items, we are keeping them out of landfills and not pulling more resources from the earth to produce new items.

The environmental impact of throwing things out is catching up with us. The fashion industry, with its high product turnover, produces some 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse emissions a year, millions of tons worth of garbage in landfills, and millions of tons of plastic microfibers in the ocean. Start adding in throwaway cutlery, cheaply made furniture, and last year’s cell phones and the numbers are even more disturbing.

Equally as beneficial as shopping at thrift stores is donating to them. Rather than tossing goods out or storing something in the bottom of the closet to never be used again, it’s good practice to give thrift shops these items and put them back in circulation. It’ll provide someone else with all the benefits listed above, as well as earn some funds for the thrift store’s charity. And, don’t forget that it’ll clear out some of the clutter in your house as well.

What Not to Give to Thrift Stores

It’s important to remember that thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL are not garbage heaps, nor are they repair shops. Items that are obviously broken or unusable are not really going to do them much good, and, in fact, donating this type of stuff will cause more work for what are likely volunteers or low-paid staff. In other words, it’s best to avoid being a burden.

Otherwise, there are some items that just don’t seem to sell or are already overstocked in thrift stores. For example, clear glass stemware and fine china are regularly donated but rarely leave the shelves. Baskets come in bulk but sell primarily near holidays.

What to Give to Thrift Stores

On the other hand, there are some items that thrift stores love to get and that will almost be gone by the time the donor is. High-quality cookware like pots, pans, and skillets are examples of such. Jewelry is another. Many people hit the thrift shops in search of rings, brooches, and necklaces. The same goes for decent toys and children’s books. Toddlers aren’t too worried about name brands or if something is new.

Clothing, of course, is what most of us think of as the thrift store shopping experience. For donors, it’s important to only give clothes in wearable condition — no big stains, holes, or rips. It’s also good form to wash them beforehand as stores do not have the time or the funding that it’d take to launder all the clothing that is donated.

How to Give to Thrift Stores

The main idea when giving to a thrift store is to treat the donated stuff as if it’s being given to a friend or family member, someone who deserves respect. Check items for damage before they are given — plugin electronics and check clasps and zippers. Clean everything as if you’d be willing to use it — wash the dishes, cookware, and clothes. Then, as much as possible, sort things into meaningful categories so that they can be easily sorted at the shop. This saves the store time, and time is money.

In general, it’s easy to find thrift stores online. In fact, nowadays they sell much of their products online, just as the rest of the retail industry does. For donations, go online and check out the store’s preferences and hours of operation to streamline the process for them. Just like it’s important to realize that the stores aren’t retail landfills, it’s also good to keep in mind that staff are often volunteers and well-meaning people, so it’s best to donate respectfully.

But, Do Donate to Thrift Stores

All that said, donating to these places is an amazing thing to do. It provides money for worthy causes. It provides people with repurposed goods at affordable prices. It helps you get rid of items that weigh you down. And, it keeps all those tons of garbage out of the landfill. In short, whatever small effort it takes to prep items for donation, the outcome is irrefutably valuable to other people and the planet. Don’t we all want to do that sort of thing?

Categories
Thrift Stores

The 3 Types of Thrift Stores Every Thrifter Needs to Know About

If you want to become a thrifting pro, you might want to learn the distinctions between different thrift stores!

What are the 3 main types of thrift stores?

  • Charity shops
  • Commercial thrift stores
  • Consignment stores
  • Plus: buying directly from the owner online

The different stores have merchandise with different qualities and price ranges. They also differ in how and from where they get the clothes they sell. In order to be a successful thrifter, you need to know which thrift store type fits your needs best.

Charity Shops

Charity shops accept and sell clothes donated by people. You can usually donate anytime during their opening hours, although they might have a limit on how much you can donate at a time.

The clothes you can find in charity shops come from people who live in that neighborhood or at least from your country or state. That’s why charity shops in wealthier areas stock better quality items. However, it is also a common practice that pieces that couldn’t be sold in a couple of weeks or months are transported to another shop of the same chain.

The average quality of charity shop clothes are quite low, but they often have a big stock. So with some time and persistence, you can find hidden gems.

The pricing of charity shop items is between $1 and $10, but unfortunately for higher-end brands, they usually ask more.

Charity shops often sell other things besides clothes like furniture, home appliances, books, etc.

The most known charity shops are Goodwill in the United States, Oxfam in the UK, and Salvation Army which operates stores all around the world.

Commercial Thrift Stores

The merchandise that charity shops can’t sell in a month or so is sent to distribution centers where they are sorted and categorized by type and quality. They might be sent to another charity shop afterward, sold to commercial thrift stores, exported to another country, or recycled into rugs and insulation.

Commercial thrift stores buy in huge bales containing 50-200 items each. Then they’re selling these clothes individually to customers to make a profit.

It is very difficult to tell where are these clothes are coming from. The biggest exporter of second-hand clothing is the USA. From there the items travel to Western Europe, then to Middle- and Eastern Europe, and finally to Asia and Africa. So if you live in North- or South-America, you can be quite sure that you’re second-hand clothes are from the US or Canada. But by the time the bales reach Eastern Europe, assuming that each country takes a certain amount but also adds their own donated clothes to the mix, you have no idea where the clothes are coming from.

The quality also can vary from one thrift store to another. Usually, it’s better than in charity shops, but as always, there might be some exceptions. However, in these types of thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL, the quality is more consistent throughout the store. That means that you’re less likely to find high-end brands, but also that you don’t need to rummage through as many damaged or worn out clothes as in a charity shop. Basically, you’ll find the average fast fashion quality here for the portion of the original price, mostly basics rather than unique-looking items.

Bigger thrift stores sometimes purchase unsold merchandise from high-street brands with the original price tags still on. Last winter year I scored a completely new Debenhams The Collection coat in a thrift store for only a third of the original retail price!

With the quality, the price is also rising. You can expect to pay anywhere between $5-$20 per item in commercial thrift stores, less if you live in a poorer country, or more if the store is selling high-end, luxury goods.

Pro tip: Timing is key for finding the best stuff in thrift stores. They put out new stock usually once a week and some of them renew the whole stock at the beginning of each season. If you find out on which day your shop has new merchandise and you keep in mind the seasonal restock dates, you can look through the clothes before the majority of the people, and you can get your hands on the best items!

Clothing Consignment Stores

Consignment stores work somewhat differently from charity shops and commercial thrift stores. Instead of buying from wholesalers, consignment stores let individuals sell their clothes for a percentage of the price in exchange. For example, you can bring a dress to a consignment store that they’re going to sell for $50. When the item is sold, you get $40 and they keep $10.

These stores are curated by the manager who only accepts the best pieces. These clothes are of good quality without exception including designer clothing, and unique or very trendy clothes.

Consequently, they are also more expensive, starting from $20 per item.

Consignment stores are best for shopping for high-end designer brands for a more reasonable price.

In addition, it’s also reassuring to know that these clothes came from your neighborhood or your city, they weren’t transported all across the globe.

What About Online Second-Hand Shops?

Nowadays we don’t even have to give up on the comfort of online shopping to be able to buy second-hand clothes.

Of course, the most sustainable option is to shop at your local thrift stores, but sometimes we’re not in the mood for sorting through hundreds of dirty clothes. Sometimes we just want to be able to see all the items available, filtered by category and color, and sorted by price.

Online thrift stores offer the comfort of shopping from your home, in your PJs, and you can still shop from any of the thrift store types and even more!

There are hundreds of well-curated online thrift stores who resell clothing for profit. They either buy from wholesalers or from other thrift stores.

In addition to thrift stores, online shopping offers another way of second-hand shopping: buying directly from the previous owner. I love this because it makes it possible for people to sell their old clothes and because you have more information about where you’re clothes are coming from and who was their previous owner. However, it can be very unsustainable and expensive to ship a single item overseas, so it’s better to buy from sellers who ship from a reasonable distance.

Related Questions

What is the best thrift store? The best thrift store is going to be different for everyone. It depends on what your priorities are. Are you looking for really cheap finds? You’re going to love charity shops. If you prefer a bigger variety of quality items to choose from and you’re willing to pay more than I’d recommend a consignment store.

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Thrift Stores

10 Amazingly Valuable Thrift Store Finds

Thrift shopping is not for the faint of heart. It definitely warms the cockles of our souls to find a designer’s dress with tags buried in a pile of polyester at a local thrift shop. If you know how to go about it, you can be successful in thrifting. The key is to know where and what to look for.

On your next thrifting trip, focus on these key areas to maximize your chances of finding valuable items:

1. Books and Textbooks

Thrift store books are always a big hit, especially for readers. You can score a set of “Harry Potter” or “Lord of the Rings” books, both paperback and hardcover, for as low $30. Is not that amazing?

Keep an eye out for college books too! Several students donate them without checking their value. You can still make good use of them, as long as they are not outdated.

2. Photo Frames

Thrift shops often have their fair share of art. Aside from paintings, you can see good frames.

Large picture frames are always in demand, especially those with ornaments. When checking racks of paintings, check the frames and choose the ones in excellent condition.

3. Video Games

Can you believe it? You can score some of the most popular titles and genres of video games from a thrift store! The oldest and the newest games sell best. Games for Nintendo and Atari are specifically popular! Fore newer games, you might want to invest on anything for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U.

4. Designers’ Clothes and Bags

Thrift store clothes and bags always sell well! You can find designers’ items like Coach, Michael Kors, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, DVF, and more at a fraction of the cost you pay in department stores. Though these are second hand items, most are still in excellent condition.

If you are not a fan of high-end brands, mall brands such as Nine West, Aeropostale, Express, and Abercrombie & Fitch are also available.

If you are planning to resell thrift store clothes, you can put together a clothing lot. For example, you can combine 10 garments which are of the same size or type. Mix a few name brands with lower-end items. This will attract more people and bring in more cash through online auctions.

5. Glassware

One of the best vintage items to look for at thrift stores is glassware. It is durable, so expect to see a lot of it at your local thrift shop. If you are a collector, you will surely be interested in getting vintage Pyrex cookware, as well as glass in different colors and shapes. There are just too many options and you will surely find something that is out of the ordinary!

6. Kitchenware

We all use pots, pans, and dishes at home and excellent sources of quality kitchen ware are thrift shops.

7. Sporting Goods

Brand-new sporting goods can be very expensive. Yu can save a lot of money by snagging second hand items at a local thrift shop. Most of them are in excellent shape, without rips and tears. However, look for signs of sweat and odors before buying because sporting goods are not easy to clean.

8. Records Players

Several thrift stores have an area for old records and players, and both are highly collectible. You can find a player for as low as $10 or less.

Vinyl albums are collectible too! Diehard fans are willing to pay more for these records.

9. Furniture

Do you need furniture to restyle your home? Whether you are looking for vintage decor or DIY items, thrift store finds are quite hard to beat. You can get long tables, cabinets, bed frames, dining sets, and more at affordable prices.

10. Anything With A Tag

As a general rule of thumb, if you see something with a tag, get it! These items are considered new. They definitely have more value than the same with the same condition but without tags. Should you decide to resell it online, you will find a good number of auction shoppers who are only interested in getting items listed as “new with tags.”

If you are in Panama,  head to Haven House thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL and get some of these valuable thrift store finds!

Categories
Tips & Tricks

Tips to Identify Vintage Clothing Labels in Thrift Stores

A brand’s tag and label speak volumes to the clothing’s style and production history. Vintage clothing is technically a piece that is 20 years or older. Unfortunately, they are never easy to identify. When shopping in thrift stores, you do not want to toss a dress into your cart for purchase without ever knowing its true value and identity.

Here are some tips on what to look for in vintage clothing labels.

1. Union Labels

Underneath the brand tag, look for a “union” label. They are normally square and about 1.5 by 1.5 inches in size. Check for a union name like “The Ladies Garment Workers Union” or “LGWU.”

This is proof that the item was made and supported by a union that existed in the US before the success of overseas clothing production in the early 1980’s.

2. One Size Fits All

Most vintage clothing tags proudly state “one size fits all.” This was a fad in the 80’s. It was an era of oversized tees, shirts, pants, dresses, bold belts, leg warmers, and big hairs. Everything was big, hence the tag “fit all.”

3. Lot or Style Numbers

Vintage clothing labels often have an additional tag that provides a “lot” or “style” number.

Manufacturers before the introduction of computers like to keep track of their clothing production by appending a numerical value to every item produced, all for proper sorting and distribution. The “lot” number is often used for mass production.

A vintage dress assigned with a lot number 10 means that it was part of the tenth batch of that same item produced in a specific factory.

The style number, on the other hand, refers to that piece’s exact design. It was a way for brands to document the different styles of fashion they were producing.

4. Extra Large Price Tags

Believe it or not, this was a trend in the 80’s. When you find a vintage piece in thrift stores with this kind of tag, you have most likely scored a deadstock item.

5. Labels Note Brand Cities or Origin of Make

Vintage clothing almost always appends the name of major urban cities like New York, London, Paris, and Italy in their tags.

While this is still being practiced today, most garments are now made in Asian countries.

In the 80’s, purchasing your season’s styles from a brand that was made and designed in a major urban city was something to speak of. Women wanted their clothing to be associated with a geographic location because there was exclusivity.

Styles and clothing from Paris stay in Paris. The same is true in New York and other major cities. They were not duplicated and mass-produced for a global fashion economy.

6. Label Typography

This one requires a more critical eye! How can you differentiate the typography today versus yesterday?

Vintage clothing labels were designed reflecting the style of the era. Popular brands include Maxima and Another Thyme. The “X” in Maxima is accentuated, while the letters “A” and “T” in Another Thyme are slightly bigger.

Also, the fonts are not a simple script. Most have stylish font designs instead of the standard Times New Roman.

With practice, you should be able to master this technique! While thrifting in vintage clothing stores, give every label a second look to hone your vintage shopping skills!

7. Made in Countries That No Longer Exist

Clothing labels that state items were made in a country that no longer exits, such as Hong Kong British Colony or Yugoslavia, are legit vintage!

Yugoslavia was part of Russia, which disappeared in the early 90’s. It was renamed “The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,” which includes Montenegro and Serbia. In 2003, the words “Federal Republic” were completely removed. They are now known as Serbia and Montenegro. Therefore, if on your trip to thrift stores you see a label that says “Yugoslavia,” it was more than likely made in 1992 or before.

Also, the British Crown Colonies of Hong Kong, now known as Hong Kong, ended in 1997, when the country was handed to the People’s Republic of China. If you see a tag that says “The British Crown Colonies of Hong Kong,” it’s likely a 23-year old garment or older.

Even if you are not an expert, these tips should help you spot vintage clothing in thrift stores. Check out the thrift shops in Destin, FL. We also have one in Lebanon, TN. Keep an eye open for union tags and New York, London, or Paris labels!

Categories
Thrift Stores

Amazing Benefits of Thrift Shopping You Probably Never Expected

You may remember checking thrift shops for cheap furniture to outfit your first apartment, or you may be someone who checks thrift stores around Halloween to assemble the perfect costume. However, thrift and consignment shops have a lot of benefits that extend far beyond that once or twice-yearly opportunistic trip to the local thrift store.

Read on to learn about some of the benefits of thrift shopping that you may not have considered. Hopefully at least a few of those benefits will encourage you to forego your trip to a big department store and check out a secondhand shop instead.

1. You may discover designer products at a fraction of the price.

Blogger  writes that her first great experience thrift shopping as a teenager was finding a designer dress that would normally sell for about $80 for only $5 at a local thrift store. I’ve bought several J. Crew shirts—which would normally retail between $50-$90—for about $0.50 at a pay-by-the-pound thrift store. If you dig through the racks, you might be surprised by the quality brands you can purchase at a steep discount.

2. You’ll develop a unique wardrobe.

Purchase new summer looks from Macy’s or Nordstrom and you’re bound to run into other people wearing the same outfits. Thrift shops have a much more diverse assortment of clothing, meaning you’re less likely to find yourself wearing the same top or sweater as a friend or co-worker.

3. Thrift shops have a constantly changing selection.

Because thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL receive donations, you can expect to see completely different products at your local thrift store from one week to the next.

4. You’ll get to take a trip down memory lane.

Remember when the Backstreet Boys released their music videos on VHS, or when Care Bears were all the rage? When you visit a thrift store, you’ll find all kinds of pop culture mementos to bring back fond memories.

5. You can instill good spending habits in your kids.

If you have children, taking them to a thrift store is a good way to teach them how to find good products while saving money.

6. The clothes are already broken in.

Sure, you’ll want to avoid those shirts with stretched out necklines and the unraveling sweaters, but in many cases, buying clothes secondhand is advantageous because items are prewashed and preshrunk. That means if something fits in the store, you don’t have to worry about losing that fit when you throw it in the laundry.

7. Thrift shopping is like going on a (slightly competitive) treasure hunt.

If you get bored shopping for clothes at department stores or boutiques where items are neatly laid out and clearly labeled, you may be a natural thrift shopper. Shopping secondhand lets you dig through the racks for your own personal treasures, and a little friendly competition with other serious thrifters adds to the excitement.

8. Thrift stores let you explore diverse styles.

You may not like every item of clothing or piece of furniture you find at your local thrift store, but you can at least have fun looking at ostentatious, retro, or just plain bizarre merchandise.

9. You can find genuine vintage items.

Fashion is cyclical, and designers often try to mimic the looks of different decades. When you shop at thrift stores, you can often find clothing that was actually made in the decade that’s coming back into style.

10. You may find something that pays off when Antiques Roadshow comes to town.

Every now and then, you’ll hear about a thrift shopper who stumbled across a true treasure, such as this North Carolina woman who spent $10 on an abstract painting that is valued at $15,000-$20,000.

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