How Thrift Store Shopping Can Save You Big Money

I went to the store today. I was on the hunt for a pair of running capris. I am an impatient person and when I want something, I want it now. So I entered the automatic glass doors of Dick's Sporting Goods, found my way to the running capris and that is where I almost fainted. A pair of black run of the mill spandex and polyester blend running capris was $54.95. I was flabbergasted. Many people are probably used to these prices because they shop Dick's on a regular basis. Me, not so much. I haven't bought retail clothing for many years.

In 2009, my hubby and the sole supporter of my family lost his job. We went from quite comfortable to not being able to pay the cable bill very quickly. This is when I started shopping thrift stores specifically for clothing. I began browsing the racks of these thrift stores out of necessity. Now in 2018, we are in a better financial situation. I have found though, that I can not go back to retail after shopping so many years at thrift stores for one big reason-the money.

Thrifting, which is the term I use for shopping at thrift stores, is plentiful and abundant around Oak Forest. With in a 15 minute drive you have access to 8 thrift stores. Most of their items are priced for pennies on the dollar compared to their retail price. For instance, that beloved Under Armour sweatshirt you bought your husband for $65 at the mall, is $7.99 at my favorite thrift store. I love the savings and even if I won the lottery, I could not go back to retail. If you think about it from an investment prospective, it makes sense also. The clothing industry is a $12 billion dollar industry and the average American family of 4 spends in the area of $2000 a year on clothing. Take into account that an item of clothing looses about 80% of its value the minute you wash it. That means that the Ralph Lauren polo shirt you just bought for $98.50 is worth about $20 after its first wash, and about $10 after 10 washes. Once you realize that you are wasting valuable money buying clothing at retail, you are ready to become a thrifter.

I have found a few tricks though along the way which has saved me lots of money.

1. Go early. Thrifting is a competitive sport at many of these stores. If you got to a thrift store at opening time, you will be surprised to find people waiting outside the locked doors. This is because some people make a living off of buying and selling used items over the internet. This is also because many of the stores stock their racks in the wee hours of the morning, before the doors open. So if you are looking for that Pink brand shirt that your daughter really wants, you have a much better chance of finding it early than later in the day. Also the weekends are when most thrift stores stock the bulk of their clothing. Although, they do stock through out the day and everyday so anytime you go, you might get lucky.

2. Go often. I love thrifting and I am always looking for something. If I have a half hour during the day, I will pop in and go hunting. I go often because with thrifting luck is part of it. If you go to a favorite thrift store on a consistent basis, you will find what you are looking for eventually.

3. Don't get frustrated. Thrifting is a marathon not a sprint. Sometimes you have to go to a thrift store quite a few times before you find what you are looking for. But it is worth it when you find that Ralph Lauren polo in like new condition for $4.99 vs. $89.50. I usually am looking for a few things and I stop in and check out these areas. Eventually, I always get lucky.

4. Be reasonable. If you are looking for a black, sequin, Ann Taylor, short sleeve, shift style, dress you might be disappointed. I find the variety of selection at thrift stores on of it's greatest assets. Where else can you find a shirt from Walmart next to a shirt from Carson's. Many people shop for certain brands. You have to be a little flexible when shopping thrift stores which can lead to a great variety in your closet. It also exposes you to great brands you didn't even know existed. If your husband loves Under Armour polo shirts, you might be surprised that the Adidas polo shirt is very comparable. I would rather be a little flexible and save big bucks.

5. Be a hunter. Sometimes you have to hunt. If I am looking for a specific item, I am in for the pursuit of the perfect item. You have to go through every shirt in your size. You might miss something if you just randomly go through their stock. I dig in and go through every single shirt, in my size of course. I also will hit multiple thrift stores. I am usually triumphant as I walk out of the last thrift store with a back seat full of clothing that I purchased at about 80% off the retail price. My kids now love thrifting. They can get a whole wardrobe for the price of a few pieces at a department store. My girls, especially, have found their own fashion style with pieces from the variety available and low cost of the thrift store.

6. Get over it. I know people that would not be caught dead in a thrift store. Your average thrift store ascetically is no match for any department stores or even the big box stores. They are very plain with minimal decor and not much finesse. If you are used to shopping at say, Carson's, going to a Thrift store will seem like a big step down in your proverbial shopping experience. Get over it. Besides the look of thrift stores, they are the same as department stores. There are dressing rooms and you have 10 days to return any clothing item (although they will only give you credit). Also there are people who get grossed out over buying clothing that someone else wore. Again, get over it. I argue that the shirt you buy from a thrift store is the same as every other shirt hanging in your closet once you wash it. My desire to save big money trumps any of these reasons for not going to thrift stores.

So getting back to my dilemma of finding a pair of capris. After my terrible scare at Dick's Sporting Goods, I ventured into my favorite thrift store. After about 15 minutes of searching through the racks and trying on a few athletic capris, I triumphantly walked out with a pair of Nike capris and I paid $5.99 for them. With the money I saved, I bought myself a Cappuccino from Star Bucks to celebrate my victory. Just another day for the thrifting mom on the hunt.

Below, you can find the list of thrift stores that I visit on a regular basis in the Oak Forest Area.

1. Goodwill, 7400 W 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60462

2. Vincent St. DePaul, 7010 W 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60462

3. Unique Thrift Store, 3041 W 159th St, Markham, IL 60428

4. Savers, 15625 S 94th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462

5. Pass It On, 5435 W 127th St, Crestwood, IL 60445

6. The Bridge Thrift Store, 15605 71st Ct, Orland Park, IL 60462

7. New2U Resale Shop, 17010 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477

8. Neat Repeats, 9028 W 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60462