Thrift stores, consignment shops, or otherwise know as second-hand shopping hold hidden treasures that you can comb through. Everything from limited editions to designer brands or that one item that reminds you of visiting your grandparents' house. When your kids are growing out of clothes every time you turn around thrift stores can be an excellent resource. If you are a collector of any kind, the second-hand stores can be a treasure trove of items. Finding those items that you may only need for a limited time and don't want to invest a lot of money into is where the resale store really helps out.
Frugal Fashion
Many resale shops carry a variety of clothing, shoes, and accessories that can clothe everyone no matter what age or size. If you have a person in your family who prefers name brands and gently used items, many consignment stores will have options for them. You can find today's fashions in not only clothing but footwear, wallets, belts, and purses. Think about not only shopping but taking your gently used items and cosign them for either cash or store credit. Store credit you can use to make your dollar stretch even further.
Collecting Treasure on a Dime
As a hobby collecting can be a costly pastime. When you shop in resale stores, your dollar can go further. Places like pawn shops can inventory some high-quality collectibles for a bargain. Investing the time to go into a second-hand location and work your way through the sometimes-disorganized store can pay off in found treasures. You could parlay this type of treasure hunting into an online second-hand store for yourself.
Keep the Start-Up Costs Down
Using the thrift store as an affordable entry point for purchasing equipment to try a new activity. For example, your kid comes home and announces a new-found interest in learning to snow ski. You can fully equip them without breaking the bank with a little research and a good second-hand store. Whether they take a shining to the sport you or change their mind the next month, you are set. What about taking up a new instrument? Often you can buy from a second-hand store and have the item tuned or repaired for less than a new one.
Finally, should you live in a climate that doesn't get too cold during the winter but need to have a one or two items on hand just in case, you can get snow boots and winter gear for a bargain. The local thrift store is an excellent resource for almost anything you need or want.
