Top 5 Tips for Thrift Shopping
Thrifting has gained some serious traction as of late and it likely all started with the mainstream introduction from Macklemore a few years ago. Now, several years removed from the Macklemore thrift song, people have become full blown thrifting experts and being a professional thrifter requires knowledge and experience. So here are some tips on how to thrift like a pro!
Urban Dictionary defines thrifting as When one visits several different thrift shops, second-hand shops, and vintage clothing stores in the hopes of buying several items of cheap and unusual clothing and other items.
Tip 1: Game Plan
When you go into a thrift store, do not look at every piece of clothing. That would take forever. Scan the racks looking for interesting colors or prints anything that catches your eye. Only scan racks, so if it doesn’t jump out at you, move on.
Having a strategy is key especially if you are new to thrifting it could seem overwhelming at first. If you are looking for work tops, then start off in the blouse section. Tackling the store in sections can make this seem less intimidating.
Tip 2: Know the Deal
If you want to get the most out of your experience you have to know the subtle tricks that will help you save big. Each thrift store has its own specials and deals and knowing what and when they are available is vital. Sunshine Thrift Store for example has 2 color tags 50% off every day and the colors change every week. So, always keep your eye out for the tags that are on sale, sometimes you will find gems at half price.
We also suggest you ask a store employee about other upcoming sales and join any text or email list that are available. Thrift stores like to inform shoppers of sales using email and text blast.
Tip 3: Keep an Open Mind
Thrifting like a pro usually means thinking outside the box and being very creative with your finds. You will find clothes that are unique and not found at your typical retailer. This is a good thing and is what makes thrifting so special. It also allows you to stand out. So, when your friends ask you where you got that outfit you can tell them with a sense of pride, “I thrifted it.”
Tip 4: Examine Everything
Examine your pieces thoroughly before you pay for them. Check the buttons, check all the seams: shoulders, back, bust, hips, side seams, etc.
Thrift stores do not accept returns, so once you pay for your items, they are yours. So, examine your selection but also try them on. Make sure they fit you the way you want. Most thrift stores provide fitting rooms so there are no excuses, unless you are in a rush (which we do not recommend).
Tip 5: Take Your Time
Thrifting requires time and patience. You need to take your time and enjoy the hunt. If you go thrifting and expect to find something in the first few minutes, you might get lucky, but most likely you will have to keep looking. Don’t worry though, once you find something you like it will be a rewarding feeling, as if you found a diamond in the rough.
You can also take time to look in different departments, you might find something you didn’t expect in the jewelry or miscellaneous sections. Thrift stores usually have a good variety of things that will interest you.
Final Thoughts
Go often! Sunshine Thrift stores receive merchandise DAILY so new fresh merchandise will be available every time you go. Know the store’s sale days –or the color sale tag rotation like at Sunshine Thrift. I hope these tips helped and Happy Thrifting!
Written By Nikki Platt:
Florida native Nikki Platt, in college Nikki headed to London to study abroad, and after graduation was NYC bound. Since returning to Florida, Nikki has built her fashion resume and now started her own fashion styling business and blog Style-Rehab.com! Recently earning such accolades as on air Fashion Contributor for NBC’s Daytime and a Stylist for International Plaza Nikki’s career shows no sign of slowing down.
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