Many years ago my daughter and I survived on a very slim income.  She wanted new clothes and told me she did NOT want to go to a thrift store, she wanted to go to the mall.

I gave her $25.00 and off we went.  I think she got two items.  Then we drove to the thrift store and I spent $10.00 and came back with a bag full.  She got the point.  Especially as it included a dress she found that she just had to have.

There is a great thrift mega store in Maryland where she now lives.  When I visit I bring one change of clothes because I know that the day after I arrive shopping is our fun activity for the day.

We don't clothes shop in thrift stores but we have found some really good bargains on tools, kitchen items and some small appliances. Our favorites are the privately owned shops; only rarely do we go to Salvation Army or Goodwill.  Edey

Edey:

We don't clothes shop in thrift stores

Is that a personal choice or because of the lack of suitable items?

It's a lack of sizing. My size or Dh doesn't usually show up in stores, or what's there isn't worth the money.  Neither one of us are standard size, in more ways than one. Edey

Edey:

Neither one of us are standard size, in more ways than one.

I understand.

we have a new store opening near by they are going to carry second hand house hold and building supplies .. DH went over today and met them nice people he said .

Thrift shop saved me alot I still wear clothes from 5 years ago I do it because I am very limited on funds not like 11 or 15 years ago I use to shop nordstrums and Macy stores you know high end stuff now its just plain old thrift shop when I was home less I only had my dog and me and a case worker told me where to get warm clothes I bought them still have my old jacket because now since retired and living here with the parents you are llimited on funds and we all sometimes shouldn't say gross no way thrift shop if you are cold you change your mind like real quick after that...:) Been there did that too......

There are some great thrift stores out there...I bought some "maternity" pants in good condition for about 50 cents each and they held up rather well.  Seemed a better idea than spending so much money on things I wouldn't wear for very long.  It's a great idea for everyone to look into (benefits the environment as well as the wallet).  Glad to hear you found such a large with (I'm guessing ) such a big selection of items!

yesterday at a local thrift store I got a really great kitchen table it with and modeled like ones from the 40's and 50s for $8.00 .. I also got 2 packages of cloth diapers for $2.00 a piece  I got 4 new teddy bears still in the packages for $2.00 and my DD two really cute skirt  and 5 shirts for $2.00 ( $2.00 bag sale ) .

My favorite thrift store closed in May and we moved across town in August. I have not found a thrift store that meets all my needs like my favorite store that closed. But I have had luck with a children's consignment shop 5 minutes from our house. The prices are a bit more than the thrift store but the clearance items can be just as good of a buy as the thrift stores. And it's still cheaper than Wal-Mart and Target, etc.