Today, I was able to go into town (that's 20 minutes away for us) and spend some time looking for items at good prices. It dawned on me that there is a type of store that is often overlooked by most of the population for some reason. Thrift stores and the Goodwill stores are often not the first thought, if ever a thought at all for most people. Even I, who furnished our entire first home and early married years from garage sales, admittedly, I forget them from time to time. But not anymore...they are becoming my first stop shops!
Not only do we have a new Goodwill (they moved the old one to this nice new building) we also have a local Thrift Store for a local charity.
For reasons of budget, let me share what you can find at each:
At Goodwill:
· They do NOT keep things from only your area. They ship from all over adding variety.
· They will let you test electrical items prior to purchase
· Most have moved to larger and cleaner stores recently
· They rotate their items so there is often new stock in each week
· You can take your own items in for a tax deduction.
· Everything you could want from a department store can be found in a Goodwill and often refurbished and in excellent working order.
· All of this at usually only 1/8th - 1/4th of the cost you would pay for things new.
At local Thrift Stores:
· They are local, so items fit your climate even better.
· Saves you gas and brings the local garage sale to you in one spot
· You can take your own items in as a tax deduction.
· The local clerk can usually keep your name and number to call if an item comes in that you are hunting.
· They tend to rotate sales and items of interest with the season.
For reasons beyond budget and saving your own money, the payout is even greater when shopping first at a Goodwill or Local Thrift Store. Goodwill employs many people with disabilities to sort, repair and refurbish the items that make it to the stores. This gives them jobs that are a service to us the consumer and plays a vital role in their own lives. Local Thrift Stores often are for a local ministry or charitable organization such as an orphanage or food bank for the needy. Buying local at the Thrift Store helps the community all the way around.
Today, I surveyed the parking lot at Goodwill. There was a Lexus and a new Cadillac parked right in front. As I was walking in, a very nicely dressed woman my age and young son (also quite stylish) were entering to look for winter wear for him. Of course, he was going to grow and this is a smart Mama to buy used since it would only last as his size for a year at best.
Inside, although I was looking for specific items, I did find a wonderful find: A bread machine! Completely new and shiny for $8.00! The local Thrift Store and Goodwill have moved to the very tip top of my memory for bargain hunting. First because of the far-reaching impact they serve, secondly for the great savings they offer, but now also for the surprise bonus of something that was not in the budget - that suddenly fit!
