If you are anything like the CGS team, then whenever you step foot in a thrift shop, your eyes light up like a kid in a candy store! Before you know it, one item in a basket has turned into a shopaholic’s worst nightmare! Fortunately everything is set at an amazing price. However, you want to avoid unnecessary spending and make sure you are getting the best product you can.
The CGS Team has put together a few tips on the best items to find in a thrift shop without overspending. Although some of you maybe professionals by now, many of us are still trying to figure out the ins and outs of purchasing quality items from thrift or consignment shops. Depending on the stores organizational skills it can be tough, but stay calm and fight through it because great products are there to find.
Vintage Clothing
We’re not going to sugarcoat it for you, finding clothing in your size at a thrift shop is not always easy. However, if you do happen to find items in your size, then take them! Thrift shops are ideal for getting vintage and even couture clothing! Vintage clothing means that the designer no longer makes them. They were likely from a past season, and vintage finds can go back decades. Take your time and sift through carefully. Thrift stores can be overwhelming, but with patience, you can pick up some great clothing finds!
Accessories
Unique and one-of-a-kind accessories are the top items that can be found at thrift stores. Whether it’s a belt or jewelry, finding accessories are a total steal for the price. Keep an eye out to make sure there is no damage. You never know what you can stumble over! Many times people give away fancy jewelry that was originally very expensive. If an item looks new or possibly in style, google the item to see if it’s being sold in department stores. You can check the retail price and compare with the price from the thrift shop.
Music
If you’re music junkie, then finding classic hits is a must! Vinyl records are sold regularly at thrift stores, as well as vinyl players. Taking a few minutes to flip through the classic music options is definitely a vintage-worthy find. Who knows you could find an original copy of an artist that your parents or grandparents would love as a gift.
Purchasing music at a vintage store has its perks in addition to having the nostalgia feeling that comes from browsing. If you’re lucky enough to come across a vinyl that’s in good condition, you could even resell it yourself and make a profit.
Books
Nowadays, most people would rather have an electronic copy of a book than a hard cover. At a thrift shop you’ll be able to find books by great authors for extremely low prices.
Finding a classic or first edition book in a vintage store is similar to finding a diamond in the rough. If you’re fortunate you could come across an original copy that could be worth a pretty penny. Even if you don’t have time to read, having a great book collection is always a great topic for discussion when you have guests or host a dinner party.
When people think of vintage shopping at a thrift store they immediately think clothes, but there are a lot of other great items to pick up as well. Do you enjoy shopping at thrift stores? What are some of the best vintage items you have found while thrift shopping? Leave a comment below to start a discussion with the CGS community!
