Thrift Store Shopping Question

**AmyBoz** · 01-08-2006, 11:53 AM

Okay, I've said this before, I hate shopping. For anything. Anywhere.

So many of you, however, are always talking about your thrift store shopping. Do you go there just to browse, or with particular items in mind? I understand the lower prices, but my question is, do you go just to shop, or do you go there to buy something in particular?

**homesteadmamma** · 01-08-2006, 12:09 PM

Amy, I usually go there with something in mind and then browse for no more than 10 minutes. The 4 thrift stores I shop at are very small and well organized so you can find things quickly, if they have them.

The large SA store takes much longer to find things. I seldom go there though because the prices are too high.

**catzz64** · 01-08-2006, 12:17 PM

I usually have something in mind, but always check the kids clothes too...I've found some great buys on designer items and nothing is over $1.99! We only have 2 "thrift" stores in town, so I don't go that often, or stay that long...well, ds would argue that I'm there forever

**Valerie in WA** · 01-08-2006, 12:22 PM

Ideally, I only go if I need something. I drive a loop and hit four to six stores. For instance right now I need two long sleeved shirts in light or bright colors, dh needs a bowling bag, and I'm collecting infant outfits under $1 to donate to needy families at my hospital.

Sometimes, when I just need to get out of the house, I'll go browse for nothing. I might end up with some yarn or a book. Or I might try on clothing and spend $2-$5 on a top that's out of my usual comfort zone. I consider $5 less than once a month to be 'allowable' for recreational shopping.

Sometimes when looking for nothing, I happen upon things I would never have thought to look for. For instance, recently I found a bean Frencher (makes fresh beans French cut). I actually didn't even recogize it, until I saw the box & instructions next to it. Score!!

**SHOPGIRL** · 01-08-2006, 12:37 PM

I usually go with something in mind. Years ago, there was a store that would have everything half of the third Thursday of the month. Then,I'd stop in to see what I could find.

**Jeanna** · 01-08-2006, 01:29 PM

I have done both. But I now only go to look for a particular item that would be fine to buy used and I know that my time/gas spent would be worth the trip.

**Pepper** · 01-08-2006, 01:52 PM

Dh and I go twice a year. We always plan on it. We always know what we are wanting to find, but we do happen upon those "surprises" every once in awhile. In March, we are heading to Wichita for our thrift shopping!!

**Early Bird** · 01-08-2006, 02:48 PM

I go to browse.

It's a small enough store where I don't know if I'll find anything I like. (usually I do though).

I always check for tupperware, yarn, and good books.

**QuilterMom** · 01-08-2006, 03:00 PM

I enjoy going and browsing just for some "me" time. I always have specific things I'm looking for, but even if I find nothing it's always fun to just look.

**kaykwilts** · 01-08-2006, 03:05 PM

It's hard to go to a thrift store with a specific item in mind because you never know what they will have. It there is something you see that you like you had better grab it then because it won't be there the next time. It probably won't be there in the next ten minutes.

**KimSecret** · 01-08-2006, 04:15 PM

I rarely go any more, but when I do, I look for good clothing, books, tupperware and craft supplies...sometimes I find something I wasnt looking for.

**FrugalMomof3** · 01-23-2006, 06:44 PM

When I go to the Thrift Store I usually have something in mind before I go but I always go and get more than I went for in the first place...

Have yet to find some good games complete with all the pieces.

~Tracy~

**guest32** · 01-23-2006, 07:24 PM

I like to browse because if I do find something on *impulse* at least I get my money's worth.....usually 1.00-5.00...so it is my equivalent of going to the mall, without the guilt. Right now I am on the hunt for sewing notions, mainly rick rack....but today I found some patterns from the 50's for .10 each that I will use to decorate my sewing room. And some fabric for .25 that I can use to make an apron.

**juliek** · 01-23-2006, 08:15 PM

I also DETEST shopping!

When I visit a thrift store, I usually have something in mind ~ about 90% of the time it's clothing for my children. I will also zip through the other areas of interest to me, but almost never browse through everything.

**i.m.cheap** · 01-23-2006, 08:48 PM

We went thrift store shopping this afternoon. We were in search of pants for DH. We scored big time! He got four pair of Dockers, and one long sleeve white shirt. I found four shirts for myself (two of them Liz Claiborne) and we spent only $8.12!!! I love the DAV! Yellow tags were 50% off, so we looked mainly for those, but many of the items we purchased were not yellow tags. Some of the Dockers were 98¢ a pair. The Liz Claiborne sweater I bought was a yellow tag, and after the discount, it cost only 37¢. My other "designer" shirt was $2.98, but worth it. When dd asked about a necklace in the case, the girl working just told her she could have it FREE! It felt just like Christmas.