I didn't discover consignments and thrifting till I moved to the South, and now I'm hooked. Here are 15 top reasons why you should shop at consignment sales and thrift stores.
15. Recycling & Eco-Friendly:
15. Recycling & Eco-Friendly:
You are helping the environment. Sure, it's in a small way, but one more thing in your closet is one less thing in a landfill. And if you have little ones, you are teaching them not to be wasteful (while being stylish)
14. Quantity:
Sure, there are major department stores that sells racks and racks of clothing, but with a sale like Kidsignments, where thousands of clothing are all under one roof, ranging from pajamas to prom dresses, you can load up on a full season's wardrobe in one shopping trip!
Sure, there are major department stores that sells racks and racks of clothing, but with a sale like Kidsignments, where thousands of clothing are all under one roof, ranging from pajamas to prom dresses, you can load up on a full season's wardrobe in one shopping trip!
13. Variety
The variety of clothing you can find in a consignment sale or thrift store far exceeds that of any traditional retail store. From vintage to modern, from formal to casual, from ski-gear to swimwear, from fan-gear to furs... they've got it all. There's also, sometimes, a wide variety of non-clothing items such as bags to books to bedspreads!
12. Selection and Self-Expression
As there is so much variety, quantity, and quality at these sales, one can create unique looks and pair pieces together to express one's personal style. At a traditional department store , your selection is only that of the current season’s styles, but in a consignment/thrift store you may have multiple years of clothing to choose from. So you can create unique outfits, that can't be easily duplicated, as many stores will only carry one of that particular piece.
11. Convenience:
It's your one-stop-shop destination and no it's not wally world. Money goes back into the pockets of moms just like you, or small business owners, right in your community. You don't have to drive store to store to please your picky teenager, or hit up different clearance racks, or yard sales hoping to find something among the limited selection. Save time and energy by hitting up a big consignment sale.
10. A Family Affair:
Many consignment shops cater to men, women, and kids. So, it is your one-stop-shop destination. No one will feel bored or out-of-place, and it allows everyone to give honest opinions about outfit choices. It also helps with budgeting, as you can buy the whole family in one trip.
9. Fun with Friends
I love shopping with friends. Although everyone may be in a different financial situation, and would most likely shop at different retail stores, we can find common ground at thrift stores. It's fun to try on outfits, and get opinions from each other, and even make plans together to wears said outfits.
8. Helpful Service:
You can actually find staff to help you - and they are super friendly, and usually go above and beyond to assist you.
7. Atmosphere & Friendliness
Other shoppers are super helpful too. The camaraderie among thrifters is unlike anything I've ever seen. You won't find that at a department store's one-day-big-sale event. Opening day (and 25 cent days/dollar days) at many consignment sales & thrift stores can rival Black Friday crowds. BUT you won't see the fighting or pushing or selfishness that is inherent of Black Friday.
6. Quality:
No Need to wonder if the colors will run or fade in the wash, or the clothes will shrink in the dryer – they’ve already been tested!
5. Savings & Value:
You can find items for a fraction of their cost. and not because you're buying clothing made of cheap materials that get ruined after one wash. This in turn keeps more money in your pocket or allows you more bang for your buck. It also lets you purchase more items. A mom of five can now clothe her whole family on a small budget. Or a fashionista can now have a complete outfit (or several) instead of only one expensive piece.
4. Brand Names:
Brand names and designer items go hand in hand with Quality... but personally, I don't know how much quality a $1000 handbag can have! The low prices afford you to buy from a brand you would otherwise not be able or inclined to.
3. Make Money:
Finding a great value, especially in brand name designer items, allows you to resell your finds for a profit. Many thrifters resell on ebay or other sites. They make money, while the purchaser is still saving money, so it's a win-win all around.
2. The Thrill:
I, personally, get a rush at finding a great deal or a great article of clothing. It's almost like a treasure hunt - making your way through the aisles until you hit that spot that has the perfect piece for you or a loved one. I found the most beautiful ball gown for my daughter. It didn't hurt that what was worth $100+, I got for under $10! Some people find shopping a chore, but it brings me joy to find beautiful and practical things, at bargain prices.
1. Charity and Goodwill to others:
A friend of mine buys winter clothing and gently used coats for the homeless and those in need, and donates them to shelters and such. I have heard of people making "blessing bags" with toiletries and the like, but how great would it be to add an outfit as well, that could cost just quarters or dollars. I've seen many shoppers fill their carts with clothing items they will be sending back to families in their homeland. There is so much potential to do good, such as the next time you hear of a family displaced by fire, or a friend with limited funds having a baby, or a family member in need of a professional outfit for job interviews. It's great to pay it forward and touch someone's life in a positive way.
A friend of mine buys winter clothing and gently used coats for the homeless and those in need, and donates them to shelters and such. I have heard of people making "blessing bags" with toiletries and the like, but how great would it be to add an outfit as well, that could cost just quarters or dollars. I've seen many shoppers fill their carts with clothing items they will be sending back to families in their homeland. There is so much potential to do good, such as the next time you hear of a family displaced by fire, or a friend with limited funds having a baby, or a family member in need of a professional outfit for job interviews. It's great to pay it forward and touch someone's life in a positive way.
