Thrift stores can be a mixed bag, and just as with retail stores, some of them are better than others. Andrea’s recent blog about dusty thrift stores and shopping the Goodwill online instead peaked my interest (I get that same jaw rashy thing from dust). Her advice and adaption for getting bargains despite her dust allergy is great. But, I wanted to offer some advice of my own.
I personally don’t believe that thrift stores have to be dusty. In fact, I spotted more dust when I ate out at a local Olive Garden (I don’t think anyone ever touched those fake grape vines hanging over our table in years) than I ever do shopping at thrift stores. In fact, the stores that I frequent tend to me clean and bright, and the items fresh smelling and dust free.
So take hope.
If you find that the items at your local thrift store tend to be full of dust, simply shop around to another store. We have three Goodwill locations in our area, and I know that one is not as nice as the two others. Sometime it is just a matter of location and whomever is managing the store.
I have found that Goodwill stores in more affluent areas tend to be cleaner and have nicer quality items. Goodwill often puts locations in affluent areas not so much to make money on the sales of items, but because they tend to receive a lot of donations, many of which are then shipped around to other stores in that district or state. During weekends near the end of the year, my local Goodwill brings in several 18-wheeler trucks to cart away donations, and the line to donate is long.
Expand your thrift store shopping outside of Goodwill. Many smaller, privately run thrift stores do a better job at organizing and cleaning merchandise. Church run thrift stores tend to be crowded with stuff, but pretty clean, at least in my area.
Did you know that there are websites that actually rates thrift stores? Try this one! http://www.thethriftshopper.com/
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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