Myths About Thrift Stores

There are several myths and opinions about thrifts stores but with our world changing all around us more people are checking them out.  It does not matter how much you have, everyone is into saving money these days.  So what is stopping you from checking it out? 

Maybe you have heard:

Clothing is torn or stained. (why else would anyone get rid of it)
Clothing is out of date, or only good for Halloween.
Thrift stores have that funky smell and it stays with the items you buy.
Only lower income people shop thrift stores.
The employees get all the good stuff
Thrift stores are dirty and unfriendly

To answer these questions you need to look at the reason behind thrift stores.  Most stores are here to benefit a non-profit organization or they send a percent of their sales to local non-profits (like Suzy's Treasure Chest) or they are a consignment shop that offers you money or trade for your items.  This gathers interest of many people to donate or consign items of value for tax deduction, extra cash or trade.  This insures getting some great quality items, maybe the person changed sizes, someone passed away, moved to new location, redecorated their living room, or just didn't need that item anymore. 

Do thrift stores get clothing that is torn or stained?  Yes they do get some, but the best stores find a way to recycle these items and they are not used directly on the sales floor.  Many people use unfit clothing for making rugs, purses, quilts, and limitless other uses.  But thrift stores get many brand new clothing that just didn't fit correctly when you got it home, or slightly worn from the teenage daughters that refuse to wear that again this season.  Maybe they came from someone who can no longer wear them since they lost 20lbs.  Think how fast children out grow items.  Either way there is some wonderful new and slightly used items for work, play, church, and other events.

Is clothing out of date?  Thrift stores have such variety that this is a catch 22 question.  They may have items that you may see as out of date but they have the best section on the market.  They can outfit your grandma, teenager, and yourself.  What other shop can you do all three?  Also who decides what is out of date?  I remember dressing in the 80's in neon colors, stretch pants and large sweaters, legg warmers, and long necklaces.  I have seen items in my store that I wore in the 80's and guess what it is the same thing my kids are wearing today.  What difference does it make if they bought their legg warmers at American Eagle or an original pair from 1984.  Kids today want to be different and a thrift store allows them to do that and you can make it a family trip for everyone. 

Thrift stores have that funky smell!  I have to say that I have found the occasional store that has that smell but most of them go to great measures to mask it. With candles and new items like Febreze it has become easier for stores.  This is another thing that you can donate to help them out.  Some even launder clothing as it comes in.  My recommendations are, laundering items you buy before use and donating clean gently used clothing. 

Thrift stores are only for lower income families.  This is far from the truth.  In my 6 plus years experience of operating thrift stores I have seen people from all income levels.  If I had to put a target market on who shops the most it would be middle class families.  Some very well off families shop to save money and help out the organization.  Some lower income families struggle to buy clothing for about 6 dollars an outfit.  Thankfully there are programs with thrift stores to help those families out.  So that leaves the middle class to make up most of the difference.  Plus it helps them buy items they maybe wouldn't be able to otherwise afford like set of bunk beds or something else large.  Thrift stores are also great for families just starting out with new babies.  Both large expenses in short amount of time.  Upgrade as life goes on and remember the thrift store that helped you in the first place. 

The last two myths concern staff so I am going to address them together. 
Most thrift stores are staffed by volunteers and very few paid staff people.  This helps the organizations they support with funding.  The people who work or volunteer at thrift stores are usually very selfless people since it can be a dirty job sorting used items and making them presentable to sell, but it can be very rewarding as well.  Helping that person find that toy they had as a child, helping someone get everything they need to move out for the first time, seeing someone get ready for prom or helping an organization you believe in.  Whatever their reason for doing it is very personal I am sure.  My intent is not to make it sound like a bad job because it can be like Christmas everyday when you open a surprise package and I find that to be fun.  Never a dull moment!  But now to my myths, the employees get all the good stuff and they are dirty and unfriendly.  Most thrift stores have a cleaning schedule just like the big box stores.  Dust gathers much quicker than Walmart so they actually do twice the work.  As for them being unfriendly, I think they can be the most helpful people in retail but they have bad days just like everyone else and they have policies they must uphold to maintain the safety of customers and staff.  Some of these policies include allowing items to be on the shelf for a 48 hour period before they can purchase them.  This encourages them to ask a fair amount of money for the item but something they are willing to pay when it becomes available for purchase.  As for clothing, thrift stores get so much clothing in so many sizes it would not put a dent in the variety to allow staff to purchase their style of clothing. 

I hope this clears up your thoughts about thrift stores if you have never been to one stop in and check it out.  I love to stop at new thrift stores as I travel.  Items change from location to location and you never know when you may find that item you can not live without.