There are two major reasons for going shopping at thrift stores. First, you save money. The other reason is because of the hunt. Finding a new (to you) treasure can be so fun.
Best tips for shopping at the thrift store
While treasures can be found at thrift stores, you have to weed through a lot of junk. That being said, these are 10 things are available at thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL.
1. Furniture
Furniture at thrift stores is typically marked down significantly and you can get a pretty excellent deal on pieces. Fixer upper pieces of furniture that you plan to paint or hack are especially great to buy at thrift stores. It’s not all used stuff all the time. You never know when you’re going to get lucky! Tip for furniture shopping: Ask a customer service representative about potential sale dates. Our local Goodwill has certain specials on certain days one of them being half-off furniture!
2. Trays
Trays are great for organizing and keeping things together. Whether it’s in your kitchen or on the coffee table, trays are great catchall pieces and they can be found for CHEAP at thrift stores.
3. Vases, Jars, Candlesticks
Thrift stores usually have an abundance of glass vessels like vases and jars. Any blue and white ceramic pieces usually find their way into my cart. If you are looking for mason jars, surely you’ll find them for around $.50 at the thrift store!
4. Baskets
Another one of my tips for shopping thrift stores is look for baskets! They always have lots and lots of baskets. Medium sized baskets at Target or any home store is usually between $12-$20. So grabbing them for less than $5 at the thrift store is a HUGE score! Not only are baskets great for organizing at home, they are also great for gift giving.
5. Frames
Large sized frames can get pricey so hit up thrift stores first to see if you can find any wood frames that can be repurposed. Not only for large frames but smaller ones for gallery walls. That goes for frames of all sizes! You don’t have to keep the art, either – if the frame is in solid condition, buy it and pop in your own art!
6. Mirrors
Buying mirrors at thrift stores is another money saver. Framed mirrors make your space feel bigger so they are the ultimately accessory for your walls. That said, framed mirrors are expensive! $50 is about the going rate. You can save big bucks by finding one at a thrift store.
7. Throw Pillows
Okay, so you may have raised your eyebrows at this one but hear me out. It might freak you out to buy pillows from the thrift store but sometimes those pillows have high-quality down-filled inserts. You can purchase throw pillows for a couple of bucks, toss out the pillow covers, and use the high-quality inserts. Find affordable pillow covers here.
8. Lamps + Lighting
You can find Chandeliers and new pendants still in the box at thrift stores. So while you might not find something good every time, keep your eyes peeled. Lamps can be spruced up with paint so if you see one that works and is a pretty shape, scoop it up.
9. Flatware + Dinnerware
Another thrift store buying tip is to browse the dishes. Thrift stores always have an abundance of dishes and flatware. It can be frustrating going through it all but when you find a piece that is truly one of a kind, it’s totally worth it!
10. Books
If you don’t find anything at the thrift store, you almost always find a book or two. You can find the sweetest vintage children’s books that are gently used and in great condition.
Thrifting has evolved so much throughout the years. What once was a budgeting necessity is now a Western past-time. Celebrities and IT-girls everywhere are flaunting their thrifted finds. It’s fun but, of course work. Hopefully you learn some things but most importantly have fun reading along, that’s always the goal! So let’s get started!
BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag, OK?
Reusable shopping bag made from an old t-shirt
The end of your shopping experience will actually be our first focus: the shopping bag. We are consumers and as consumers we produce an unbelievable amount of waste. If we, as a society can make small, intentional choices to help reduce that waste, why wouldn’t we?? So bring your reusable bag! This keeps your super eco-choice to shop used, recycled wares consistently earth-friendly.Tip: If you’re forgetful like me, I recommend buying several bags to leave in your car and at home. It’s also helps to make a habit of hanging them on your front door handle; they will be the last thing you see and the first thing you grab on your way out!
Don’t Dress Up
It’s not that you shouldn’t look cute when your thrifting, you do you! But, if you’re shopping for clothes you best be willing and ready to get in that fitting room! If you’re not trying things on you are taking on the totally unnecessary risk of buying something that is non-refundable and you may not like on. Leave that top that you love but that takes you 7 min to lace up at home. I guarantee you are NOT going to want to try things on if your having to flail around in a small closet to get your clothes back on every time you find a prospective pair of jeans. I suggest, wearing your easy, breezy elastic waist pants, a tee and slip-ons. Whatever you choose, just be sure it is easy to take on and off believe me, you won’t regret it.
Choose Your Music
I have become all too dependent on having my own music at any given time. I don’t know if this will be as much of a deal breaker as it is for me but, be sure to bring your headphones. The goal is to create your ideal space when your thrifting and Nickelback is NOT a part of my ideal space! Which is, unfortunately, what plays a lot at my local thrift store. Thrifting/life is better when you are enjoying and jamming to your favorite playlist.
Make a Game Plan
My very own Pinterest want list with an obvious emphasis on all things tied or knotted.
Ok, this may sound a little intense as a shopping tip but it is probably the most important piece of advice. So many people tell me they hate thrifting because: it’s time consuming, their efforts seem frivolous or it’s too overwhelming. I akin this to a lack of planning. As with any shopping if you are flying in there blind you are going to waste your time, feel overwhelmed and walk out with nothing or even worse, things you don’t even need or like. We’ve all experienced this; one word, Costco.
So how do we avoid this? Create a physical list, I don’t care whether it is on paper or on Pinterest. You need to know what exactly you are hoping to find. For example, if you are in dire need of new jeans and know that you like light washes best then you have just eliminated about 98% of the aisles to peruse. You’re going to save majorly on time and your own sanity. So, plan ahead and understand your needs.
Sign Up for Rewards
Ok, ok this isn’t a shocking or special tip but there are a lot of people that don’t realize that almost all thirfit store chains have a email list or rewards program customers can get coupons through. Thrift Town has an amazing emailing list that can send coupons for almost 50% off! Now, some of the smaller, local shops don’t have the ability or capacity to send out promotions like the chains do but most offer special deals throughout the week. Ask your friendly sales associate what specials they have through the week. One of my favorite local shops, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, has 40% off of furniture every Friday. It’s totally worth asking.
Gender Bender
Vintage Men’s Wrangler’s available exclusively at No Longer Wander Shop
You’ve heard it on Queer Eye and you’ll hear it here. Don’t be afraid of your opposite sex’s section. I’ve found so many gems in the men’s section, it’s a treasure trove! I can’t tell you how many amazing jackets I found in the men’s section. Also, little known fact men’s jeans can look SUPER cute on your lady bod. Don’t believe me? Check out those lady curves in those men’s Wranglers! Don’t be scared, take the risk and try on those vintage men’s Levi’s and Wrangler’s. They are generally high-rise, real denim and have amazing color and wear. Which is the perfect segue to our next topic: The Vintage Section.
Vanity Sizing
If you’ve been in any number of thrift stores you are probably aware that most have a vintage section which doesn’t mean all of the vintage gems in the store can be found there. However, it does present a huge opportunity for some amazing pieces. Now, there is something very important to be said about sizing when shopping vintage and it requires a little history. So let’s go back about 60 years to 1958 when was when the first standard size chart for women arrived made set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Then, the sizes were event numbers from 8-38. Yeah… That’s waaay different than what we have now. The 1960’s size 8 is our modern day 00. As time went on, clothing companies got smart and thought, “I bet if we adjust our sizes so more ladies fit into a size 8, they’d feel more confident in our clothing and purchase it”, so that’s what they did. A 1970’s size 8 was our modern 2. By 1983 the standard was pretty much thrown out the window and by 1995 a size 8 was our modern 6. The good thing about this change? We have so many more body types and sizes represented today, which is awesome! The bad thing? Ummm… have you ever tried to shop for jeans as a modern day woman?!? You may be a 6 in Gap jeans but a 10 Calvin Kleins (don’t even get me started on odd number sizes..)
So what does this all mean to you? It means DO NOT be hard on yourself, upset or discouraged when you are trying on vintage dresses or pants that are much bigger than your average, modern size. In fact, the safe bet is to shoot for 4 numerical sizes larger for your best fit. That means if you generally wear a size 6 you should be looking for size 10.
Hopefully you learned a little something and feel prepared to go out to thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL and find some amazing clothing, decor, furniture or whatever. Oh! And don’t forget your reusable bag! 🙂
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.
There’s no secret that I love thrifting! But how did I get here? Why do I know so many tips to scoring the best deals at the thrift store? In this post, I’m going to share with you my best secrets and tips on how to thrift so YOU can shop like a pro!
Find thrift stores in different parts of town
Most areas of town will have thrift stores – either consignment shops, Goodwill, or independently run thrift stores. But not all thrift stores are created equal! That’s because they run on donations. The likelihood that I return to a particular thrift store depends on the quality of items inside.
To learn how to thrift well, you may need to venture out into different neighborhoods. Once you’ve visited and seen the quality of items, you can make the decision to return for regular shopping or not.
A great example is the Goodwill by our home vs. the Goodwill by my sister-in-law. The one in our neighborhood is small and has reduced hours. Goodwill by my sister-in-law is huge and has full operating hours. You would think, bigger is better! But that isn’t the case! The suburb that we live in is known for being “fancy” and this Goodwill is one of only a few donation spots in town. The Goodwill by my SIL is just one of many thrift stores in the area. To find different thrift stores, do a quick Google search of “thrift stores” and it will pull up a map. Make a list in your phone of different thrift stores you’ve been to and your thoughts or what you found.
Make friends with the employees (or at least be nice)
The employees of these stores don’t just work there, they thrift there too! And when you’re starting out learning how to thrift, these employees can hold a wealth of knowledge.
BE NICE! I’ve gotten discounts and items free for being friendly with the employees of my local thrift store. We chit chat about new fundraisers the store has, what’s happening locally, and most importantly I ask these specific questions:
When were new items put out last?
What time will new items be put on the sales floor next?
Are there any specials you’re running today?
Is there anything here you’re looking to get rid of fast? (that means extra savings if it’s something you need!!!)
Has anything interesting/special come in recently that I can take a look at?
Thrift with a list
What happens when you go to the grocery store without a list? You either over-buy or you forget items. It can be the same when you shop at a thrift store without a list.
Creating a list either on your phone or written out of items you’d like to purchase. This is just like a 72 Hour List.
Have a positive mindset
Not every time you set out thrifting will be a success. Sometimes you’ll score big and others you’ll leave empty handed. It’s a good idea to to have a positive mindset – you never know when the best treasures will be in the store!
Shop early in the day
Just like regular retail stores, thrift stores are stocked early in the day or the night before. So shopping early in the day (especially on “deal days”, more on that below) is KEY. When you’re one of the first shoppers in the door you get the first pick out of everything there! When you’re learning how to thrift well, it can be really exciting to see all the wonderful things in the store – not end of the day leftovers.
Find “deal days”
Since today, August 17th, is National Thrift Shop Day, loads of thrift stores will have amazing deals. My local Goodwill has 25% off your entire purchase today.
Here are some regular deals I’ve seen at thrift stores:
% off your entire purchase
% off a single item
% off a certain color tag or category
All clothing and shoes half off or more
Stuff a bag sales
So check your local stores to find the sale dates. Don’t be afraid to ask for a detailed sales calendar!
Thrift often
The magic that is the thrift store is that there are new things every day. While thrifting everyday probably isn’t a viable option (for your schedule or your wallet!), it is a good practice to thrift often. This is particularly helpful if you’re on the hunt for a very specific item or stocking up on items (like baby clothes).
Again, be nice to employees and get the scoop on when new items are put out!
Price compare
Not all prices at the thrift store are worth it. Let me explain.
Say you found a nice Cole Hand purse at Goodwill priced at $13. Retail price at the department store is around $75. This is a good deal if you need a new purse!
Now let’s look at something that isn’t a good deal. A t-shirt at Goodwill costs anywhere from $2.99-$12.99. Say it’s an Old Navy t-shirt for $4.99. Pretty ordinary shirt, nothing special. Retail at Old Navy that same shirt brand new is $5-$15. Unless there was an extra discount on clothing that day at Goodwill, I personally would purchase that new shirt from Old Navy.
Make sure you’re getting the value out of the price you pay for something secondhand. If you aren’t sure what something costs new, you can do a quick Google search of the brand name and short item description (ex. “Cole Hand black cross body bag”).
Look at everything
Don’t limit yourself to just one category of items inside a thrift store. Look at everything! Sometimes shoppers will put things back on the shelf wherever they feel like, or maybe an employee got lazy and just set an item down wherever.
I often find women’s athletic shirts mixed in with the men’s shirts and women’s tennis shoes with kids shoes. So look across all sections of the store. Leave no shelf or rack unseen! This includes the fitting room go-back rack. Someone already did the hard work of picking out the cute stuff – why not have a look!
Size is just a suggestion
When looking for clothing in particular, you’ll find that sizing varies from brand to brand. I could wear a size 8 at J Crew but a size 14 at Old Navy. So when picking out clothing to try on, take a look at other size sections. You can do a quick “hold up” test against your body to see if the width and length of the item looks right. It doesn’t hurt to try things on!
Look for things out of your comfort zone
Thrifting my clothing has really given me the ability to experiment with my style (which I still haven’t found if you’re wondering). Picking things that are out of my comfort zone, whether it is a cut, color, or pattern is easier at that thrift store than in regular retail.
You’re able to see so many styles of items at once that experimentation can be really easy. One of my favorite thrift store finds is a light weight, brightly colored plaid shirt. Would I have picked that up at TJ Maxx? Nope! But I sure do love it.
Don’t bite off more DIY than you can chew!
I’ve had my fair share of “of sure, this will be an easy DIY!” fails.
Be real with yourself. If something is just a little shabby, it’s pretty easy to clean or slap some paint on. But if it needs repair or serious customization, be honest with yourself. Will you actually get around to finishing that project, or will this be money wasted?
So there you have it – my secrets on how to thrift like a pro! Now go out and score some amazing deals on items you love at thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL.
If you’ve ever heard someone say they’re going to go thrifting, you might be wondering what they mean. Simply put, thrifting means to go shopping at a thrift store, garage sale, or flea market where you’ll find gently used items at discounted prices. Thrifted items have been loved by a previous owner, but are usually in good shape with enough life left to be useful to a new owner.
There are plenty of people you’ll find at a thrift store including:
Those who prefer a home filled with one-of-a-kind items that create a homey, creative feel
Creative dressers who love to experiment with their personal style
Smart shoppers who know you can find great things at a much cheaper price, and so many more
How is a thrift store different from other stores?
A thrift store sells gently used clothing, furniture, and other household items at a discounted price. At Goodwill, we receive donations from the community every day, so our shelves are always stocked with tons of unique finds. The big difference between a thrift store and retail store is that the items for sale at a thrift store aren’t brand new, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t in good condition. Thrift shopping is a way of giving those items new life.
Shopping at a thrift store is different than shopping at a retail store. When you go to a thrift store, you don’t necessarily go with a list. Thrift shopping is more about the hunt than locating one particular item. Because thrift stores are full of vintage and off-season goods, it’s fun to see what you might find. Whatever speaks to you, whatever you love, that’s what you buy! Plus, when you get to the checkout line, you’ll notice your bill is significantly lower than it would be at a retail store.
Why do people like to shop at thrift stores?
When you shop at a thrift store, it’s exciting to think about what you might find. The thrill of the hunt is what compels most people to shop at a thrift store. Most thrift store shoppers are also creative people. They’re able to think outside the box to envision new life for a gently used item. For example, clothing at a thrift store isn’t necessarily in-season, but those who buy clothes at a thrift store are able to get creative to express their own personal style in a way that is relevant to what’s in-season.
Most thrift store shoppers can get lost in the aisles of a thrift store. The aisles of old books. Clothing racks with vintage designer finds. Board games that aren’t sold anywhere else anymore. There’s so much to sift through. A thrift store is also a great place to find collectible items, valuable jewelry, and items that you literally can’t find anywhere else.
When you’re shopping at Goodwill, you never know what you’ll find. You might walk into a thrift store wanting to look for clothes and leave with a pile of books or a piece of art. If you love the thrill of finding something completely unexpected and unique, then you’ll love shopping at a thrift store.
When is the best time to shop at a thrift store?
Unlike retail stores that typically have dedicated inventory delivery and stocking days, thrift stores that rely on donations don’t. Thrift stores accept donations any day at any time. Plus, the staff works around the clock to get those donations out on the shelves as quickly as possible. With that being said, there’s really not a specific day that’s best to go to a thrift store. However, if you want to be a strategic thrift store shopper, the trick is to go often. Because thrift stores are constantly selling and restocking, you could shop on a Monday and a Friday of the same week and find a completely different inventory.
Most thrift store shoppers tend to do quick runs every so often when they’re feeling inspired to go on a hunt for unique finds. One day you might not find anything that speaks to you and another day you might leave with bags of stuff.
What kinds of things can I find at a thrift store?
Some thrift stores only sell clothing, but others, like Goodwill, sell just about anything. The most popular items you’ll find are clothing, shoes, handbags, furniture, household goods and linens, jewelry, art, kitchen supplies and so much more.
Why should I go thrift shopping?
Thrift shopping is not only a fun way to find unique finds, but it’s also a way to give back to the community.
If you’re thinking about donating your gently used items to thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL, it’s a great way to give back even if you don’t want to shop there. Just by donating your items, you’re helping to keep the shelves stocked so people can purchase those items at a discounted price.
Thrift store shopping at thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL can be a great way to find stylish clothes or items for your home at affordable prices. As an added bonus, the money raised in a thrift store often goes to support charitable causes, at least in part. Buying second hand also helps the environment, which is important to many people.
Thrift store shopping is great, but sometimes you need to plan ahead a little to get the most out of your visit. We’ve gathered a few tips to help maximize your savings while thrift store shopping
Thrift Store Shopping Tips
First, try to decide in advance what you are looking for and only deviate from your plan if there is a valid reason. Thrift shops have clothes in a variety of fashions, sizes, and conditions. If you are looking for a like new brown sweater in your size, don’t settle for a faded black sweater that is a size too big. Because clothes in a thrift store can be so reasonably priced, it can be tempting to settle for a “good enough” piece of clothing. Try to resist that urge. If an item of clothing doesn’t actually meet your needs then you’ll be unlikely to wear it. Regardless of how cheap something is, it’s still a waste of money if you won’t use it.
Maximize your savings by researching if your thrift store offers “half price days” or special events where they cut prices. A local thrift store near my home has everything half off on Mondays, which helps your money go even further!
To avoid spending on items you can’t actually use, get realistic about your DIY skills. You may find something that would be perfect with just minor alterations. If you are truly able to make the needed alterations or pay someone else to do them then, by all means, buy the item. If the truth is more likely that the item is just going to get lost in the back of your closet while you put off fixing it, then don’t waste your money. For many people, realistic alterations may include changing buttons, hemming pants, and fixing small holes in some types of fabric. Do your research so you don’t accidentally buy textiles that will be difficult to mend. Be honest about what you can and will do. If you don’t know how to sew, but would like to learn, you can find a variety of free tutorials online.
Don’t get frustrated if you can’t find what you are looking for right away. New items are put out frequently, so it may take a few trips to different thrift stores before you find what you’re looking for. Try to enjoy the hunt and learn to think of thrift shopping as a project. Unless it is an emergency, for example needing a winter jacket immediately, just be patient and keep looking until you find the exact item you want.
Keep an eye out for quality pieces of furniture that need just a bit of TLC to be beautiful. A coat of paint, some elbow grease or a little bit of sanding and stain can restore furniture from eye sore status to show stopper. Again, be realistic about your ability and time to spend on a DIY project, but don’t be afraid to put your skills to work on the right piece either!
Buying clothes or furniture from thrift stores can be a fun, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to improve your wardrobe or home. By planning ahead, making minor alterations to items that need it, and being patient while searching for the perfect item, you can have a stylish wardrobe or home for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Rows and rows of color and pattern hide a funky Hawaiian button-down, a bizarre T-shirt that reads, “Woody’s back! And his name is Jim!” and a red, velvety sweater on sale for a quarter of its original price. These eccentric and exciting items could only be found together in one kind of store: a thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL
Rather than bundling up in the latest generic looks produced by harmful fast fashion franchises, those in need of warm fall clothing should explore the exciting and environmentally-friendly world of second-hand shopping.
When thrifting, I’m not pressured to keep up with all the latest trends but free to experiment and make my style my own. Digging through the racks of a thrift store can feel like a treasure hunt. Each item has its own story and represents the unique personality of its previous owner, lending to an incredible variety of styles not found among the generic racks of first-hand stores. On my last expedition, I fell in love with a V-neck sweater with funky patterns and sleeves that hang past my fingertips, a unique piece that I would be hard-pressed to find in a first-hand store.
Second-hand shopping is the ethical method to cheaply update your closet this autumn. According to an article by Vanessa Friedman, New York Times fashion director, the apparel and footwear industries are responsible for over 8% of annual greenhouse gas emissions. By buying that quirky button-down from your local thrift store, you’re not only saving it from wasting away in a landfill but adding to your wardrobe without the environmental cost of producing a new shirt.
With COVID-19 still a very real concern, bringing a stranger’s discarded clothes home may seem like an unnecessary risk. Both second-hand and conventional stores are currently obligated to follow the same reopening guidelines.
While the low prices may be tempting, try to avoid charity shops in low-income neighborhoods as your business may raise prices for those who rely on thrift stores for their clothing.
There’s nothing like the rush of pride in responding to a compliment with, “Thanks! I thrifted it!” knowing that I found my outfit, recycled it and made it my own. It’s rewarding, sustainable, stylish and fun.
Thrift shopping at second-hand stores, consignment shops, rummage sales and online used-good directories is not just for environmentalists and hipsters, but a viable solution for anyone looking to go eco-friendly in small ways. Do visit the thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL for a good experience.
Before going into the green benefits, here’s how thrifting helps you:
Saving Money – Thrifted clothing is far more affordable than new clothes of comparable quality.
Smarter Buys – You tend to spend more time looking over each item instead of buying it outright.
Unique Finds – It’s highly unlikely that anyone else is walking around in the same clothes as you.
Creative Potential – You might be inspired to try new combinations, or even some DIY reconstruction!
If that wasn’t enough, here are 7 ways in which thrifting helps the environment:
1. It Lowers Your Carbon Footprint – A lot of energy goes into clothing manufacture, right from the transportation of raw materials to production processes. Then, there’s the energy required to get finished clothing to stores, and dispose of unwanted items. When you buy secondhand, you’re preventing wastage of energy and resources on the production of new clothes.
2. It Aids in Water Preservation – In addition to energy, water consumption is extremely high at every stage of clothing production. For instance, growing one kilogram of cotton requires 5,300 gallons of water, while wet processing and printing use 18 and 21.6 gallons respectively, per pound of cotton. Manufacturing, packaging and transportation processes add to this cost as well.
3. It Reduces Chemical Pollution – The production of cotton is highly pesticide-intensive, causing soil acidification and water contamination. Textile manufacturing processes also involve the use of harmful dyes, caustic soda and crude oil by-products. These chemicals are generally dumped into areas around manufacturing units, contaminating surface and ground water through soil runoff.
4. It Decreases Landfill Waste – Americans throw out anywhere from 60 to over 80 pounds of textile waste annually, and only about 10% of this makes it to thrift stores. If more people start shopping for secondhand clothes, less fabric ends up being dumped in landfills. That’s not all. Packaging material is also reduced, keeping plastic, paper and metal out of the waste stream.
5. It Inspires Green Living – Thrifting is an essential part of green living, in more than one way. When you buy used items, you keep them from being sent to a landfill and reduce manufacturing demand as well. Also, by donating unwanted clothes to consignment shops or thrift stores, you may be encouraging others simply by giving them something they can use.
6. It Boosts Community Development – While shopping secondhand, your money is used to help local charities and businesses instead of multinational corporations. Thrift stores provide employment in retail outlets as well as donation centers, creating more jobs and boosting the local economy. Many hire disabled workers and donate proceeds to community programming projects as well.
7. It Encourages Recycling – Did you know that recycled cotton clothing uses less than 3% of the energy that would have gone into producing new clothes? When you reuse or recycle clothes, you’re decreasing the demand for production and encouraging sustainable practices. It may not seem like much, but every item that doesn’t end up in a landfill counts as a win!
Unless you already frequent consignment stores, you may be skeptical about the allure of purchasing secondhand items secondhand. You’d be surprised to find out just how many savvy shoppers consider thrift store in Destin, FL for clothing. What draws these fashion-forward deal hunters to these shops? There are many reasons to choose these stores, including finding wardrobe staples and special occasion garments. Discover some of the most noteworthy benefits of thrifting below.
Why You Should Shop at Consignment Stores
1. Unbeatable Prices
Many shoppers overlook the fact that the gently used handbags, clothing, and jewelry finding their way into these stores are of exceptional quality. You can often find heavily discounted designer items in new or gently used condition. Plus, reputable shops only accept items in the best shape for their inventory.
2. Exclusive Finds
Shopping at a consignment store can help you uncover some hidden treasures. When you purchase items online or in a department store, you’ll only have access to that retailer’s select assortment. These shops, on the other hand, feature an eclectic mix of personal styles, brands, and types of clothing, including everything from formal wear to casual pieces.
3. Ever-Changing Inventory
Traditional retailers may only change their inventory seasonally or monthly, but most consignment stores get new pieces every week. This means you’ll always find something new when you visit. And, if you find something you like, you better scoop it up quickly, as the store is likely to only have one in stock.
4. Earth-Friendly Shopping
Consignment shopping is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only are you giving another life to a garment or accessory which might otherwise have wound up in a landfill, but you’re also helping to control energy use and pollution from manufacturing by not purchasing a new item.
5. Immediate Gratification
Shopping online has its perks, but there is something rewarding about visiting a physical store. Not only do you get the instant gratification of being able to use your purchase right away, but you can also be selective when selecting products by feeling textures, seeing colors, and trying items on in person.
These days money is very important to us and we can never deny that. We all work hard to earn money and sustain our needs. The more we earn the better. But earning so much is never enough, we should also learn how to save. Even though we earn more than what we need we may still end up losing every single dollar that we have if we don’t know how to save. In emergency cases, it is very important that you always have an emergency budget.
Nowadays each and every treatment requires payment you barely see something that is free. If you are sick and you don’t have money for your medication tendency is you’ll die out of your sickness. Saving is very important this will help us cope up with our financial needs in unexpected situations. Another reason is we save money for our future, a planned future is a successful one.
You will live peacefully if you planned very well for your future, your kids will not suffer. Most of us also saves money for our wants not just for our needs. It is okay to feed our wants but in limitation. It is a trend nowadays to have that so-called “travel goals” from young adults to married couples most of the people these days are setting aside a certain amount from their earnings just to make their travel goals come true. There are a lot of ways to save money.
The very first thing that you should do in saving money is to figure out how much is your expenses. List down and track all your expenses, when I say all it means everything, from a cup of coffee up to your bills and daily needs everything that you pay for is your expenses. Then set your saving goals, think about the targets that you want to if you are planning to buy something whether it’s big or small the important thing is you have the motivation because you are saving for something that you are aiming to have.
Conserve energy, use energy wisely like for the air cooler you can set a timer for specific hours of usage only or even turn it off if it is cool enough inside the house. Having high ceilings and wide windows can enhance air quality inside your home. Conserve water, when brushing your teeth close to the faucet. These energy-saving tips will help you lower down your monthly utility bills, so it simply means additional savings on your monthly budget.
As much as possible only buy what is necessary, have a list every time you go the the grocery store this will help you budget how much do you need for food, toiletries and other important stuffs inside your home.
ALWAYS REMEMBER DON’T BE AN IMPULSIVE BUYER!
For this will get you out of your budget. Opt for thrift stores, look for shops that are budget friendly, and at the same time offer good quality products. This is one of the most effective way of saving.
Thrift shops in Destin, FL are cheaper compared to other retail stores. These types of stores are very amazing. This place can offer you a wide range of products at a fraction cost compared to retail stores.
You may also find designer products at a lower cost here. Thrift stores normally show off a shelf of designer clothes, similar to what department stores do, but in thrift stores you can own some designer products only at a fraction of the cost.
Some thrift stores make the shopper’s lives easier, because they even put a separate section for designer products, in that way the shoppers can easily look through it. Most of these products may not be brand new but you can find good quality, good as new, and affordable products.
Thrift store is a one-stop-shop, compared to many other retail stores which only offers products specific to gender or age, a thrift store is where you can find products for the entire family and the good thing is they usually arranged the products neatly by color or size.
You can actually get a lot of benefits here, first, you can save money because products are more affordable and second is that no need for you to go to different stores to look for the products for your whole family in that way you already saved time and effort. This one-stop-shop will offer you a wide range of products from clothing, toys, electronics, accessories, and so much more that will please everyone in your family.
Your purchase may benefit a charity. You are buying for yourself while helping those in need. Most of the thrift stores run as an aid of a non-profit agency in which the major portion of their raised funds goes to the community. It means that people in the local community can directly benefit in every single dollar that you spent in a thrift store. It can be a benefit for homeless shelter, job training, some assistance programs, whatever it is, the benefit will definitely go somewhere that it is needed.
You can also make this as a purpose, by donating stuff that are no longer being used inside your home. Instead of throwing them away, you can donate it to some thrift shops, you can help the needy and save the nature by reducing waste products if you are just planning to throw them away. But be careful always make it a habit to check and ensure that the thrift shop that you choose to give your donations to is a legit extension of a non-profit agency.
Steve Clark 