Oftentimes, scouring through endless racks of clothes at the thrift store can be overwhelming. It may feel as though there is absolutely nothing that you would wear, causing the all-too-common thrift store fatigue. However, with just the right amount of caffeine as well as these next few tricks I swear by while thrifting, you will be set. So, grab your reusable tote bag and let’s go shopping.
- know what you’re looking for
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Whether you create a list or a Pinterest board, having an idea of what you want to buy can make all the difference. Maybe it’s about to be winter and you need a new muffler, or possibly a classic leather jacket. No matter the item, add it to the list. But this doesn’t necessarily have to include specific clothing items; it could just simply be a certain style or color. And once you truly internalize your vision for the day, skimming through clothes will immediately become easier.
- Go to every section
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Yes, every single section. Many clothing items are misplaced or labeled incorrectly, making them rather difficult to find. Thrift stores go through dozens of clothes daily, making this quite a common phenomenon. Not only that, but shoppers tend to stick items on random racks or create “stashes,” which usually consist of items a person liked but inevitably decided not to get based on various reasons. I’ve found most of these “stashes” near fitting rooms or mirrors, as people tend to narrow down their selection at these places.
- Look for discounts
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While you are looking around, it can be helpful to notice if there is a sale, because odds are there is some kind of promotion. Typically, stores assign each of their items a colorful tag, which is then used to signify a discount for the day or week. With the increase in thrift store pricing, it is important to notice if your item has a stain or hole that could potentially be sold at a lower price than originally marked.
- Don’t limit yourself to one place
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If time allows, my favorite part of thrifting is store-hopping. If one place just doesn’t inspire you or feels stale, move onto another shop. Mapping out the stores around you beforehand can be helpful since some are only a short walk from each other. Additionally, if you figure out a shop’s restock day – they are usually consistent by week – you can visit when there is a fresh selection to choose from. Thrifting takes practice, but once you get into it you may find some hidden gems.