Are your thrift stores more crowded these days?

**Pemberleyan** · 07-30-2009, 10:45 PM

The thrift stores are so much busier these days. Nevertheless, I managed to find several fun bargains:

a dishwasher-safe cutting board for .59
a nice stainless ice bucket (to be used for countertop compost container) for $3.88
bag of red candles for .99
2 small heart-shaped non-stick springform pans for .99 each
1.5 yards black/white check fabric 1.48
2 yards black fabric for $1.98
stainless positionable desk lamp for 4.98
1 yard brown fabric for .79
nice wool throw for $2.98
sewing kit box for .99
2 matching black fire screens in great condition for $4.99 each
black magazine holder for

On a recent trip I was thrilled to find 2 ½ boxes of quart mason jars with some unused rings/lids for less than $6.00.

I'm so thankful for thrift stores!

**mauimagic** · 07-30-2009, 10:55 PM

Wow - you really found some great bargains!! A lot more people I know are telling me of the great deals that they have found at our Thrift stores. I'm afraid to go because I am trying to get rid of things!! Have been able to give a lot of treasures away to others - everyone wins!!

**Pemberleyan** · 07-30-2009, 11:22 PM

mauimagic, you're right -- there is a danger there. I try not be bring home anything that won't really be used.

**MommyBliss** · 07-30-2009, 11:28 PM

What great deals you've found!

**pollypurebred39** · 07-31-2009, 12:52 AM

You got some awesome deals, way to go!

I have not been in awhile. Budget constraints, but I LOVE IT!!!

Has it been busier? Yes, but not for the reasons one might think. We have a HUGE spanish speaking population in this area. They have been pouring in, in big numbers to our area (school district went from a black and white population,mostly-to a 50% Latino student majority & 50% black and white student minority in about 2-3 years) Our area is a a melting pot of sorts. I think the increase in population has brought about the busier thrift stores.

**frugalfranny** · 07-31-2009, 12:58 AM

Great buys!

Our thrift stores are always crazy around back to school time. I don't anticipate that it will let up, this year, until after Xmas.

Haven't been to them in awhile. Have a fews things I want....but no urgent needs.

**frugalwarrior** · 07-31-2009, 06:47 AM

YES. My DD were joking about "who are all these people and what are they doing in my stores? The words "Rescued Treasures" have been heard at many G. sale recently. Before it was said EEWWW. REscued TReasures. Now its a popular thrift store. By the BY-5/5.00 clothes on the color of the day Friday sale today-shoes,belts,purses,lingerie not incl. at Salvation A. today. Be early reseller will be. Good back to school shopping.

**Karen1** · 07-31-2009, 07:51 AM

good deals!

I haven't noticed my thrift stores any more packed than before
My goodwill store seems the same also

but I am not there alot, so they could be super crowded and I don't know...HA HA HA HA

**Judi Dial** · 07-31-2009, 08:13 AM

I'm not sure? The thrift shop I was in both yesterday and the day before I was there during the workweek, and I've otherwise been there on the weekends, so I really can't tell you. It was busy though!

I got two lush bath towels yesterday for $3 each, off white. A lot of money in some ways, but way less than our microfiber towels were new!

Judi

**Pemberleyan** · 08-01-2009, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by frugalwarrior

YES. My DD were joking about "who are all these people and what are they doing in my stores?

LOL! Yeah, we've been joking about how we have more "competition" and our secret is out.

Judi Dial, good deal on the towels.

**Debbie-cat** · 08-01-2009, 10:04 AM

Our thrift store has begun super busy as well. I hate it when people find my secret hiding spots! I gotta keep my mouth closed.

**shoiji** · 08-01-2009, 02:00 PM

The thrift stores around here are always busy. I usually go in the morning. I also think it depends on what day it is and what sales are going on. Thursdays are always quiet. It is nice not having to deal with a bunch of other customers.

**zakity** · 08-01-2009, 02:29 PM

Yep, they have been busier. And, the prices have been going up.

**Luckybustert** · 08-01-2009, 03:51 PM

They've been busier, and prices are going up. The Salvation Army is even opening "boutique" thrift shops now....PUHLEEEZ, secondhand is secondhand! All calling it a "boutique" thrift shop does is provide an excuse to charge more. And maybe they'll attract people who are snobbier about where they shop? I don't know. It seems pretty silly to me.

**Lora88** · 08-03-2009, 08:20 AM

I have been visiting our local thrift shop to drop off donations I have been cleaning out my mothers apt. she is going in a nursing home today. people were in the back by the donation door waiting to see what people were bringing in. I spoke with the manager and she said it is 50% busier than it was this time last year. I shop at this thrift shop often its run by the local community service center but lately the prices have increased and I really am trying to declutter my house is not that big and if they keep increasing prices than its just not worth it to go there.