Secrets of a thrift store shopper
I want to let you in on a little secret:
I love thrift store shopping.
And not just to save money.
In addition to being pretty frugal on certain things, I enjoy shopping at thrift stores for more than just the savings. Don’t get me wrong – I love finding that amazing deal, but that’s not quite enough to keep me coming back to the mysterious color-coded tagging systems, “vintage” kitchy glassware, and dusty late ’80s electronics bins. And although you might question how this is connected to improving my health, I assure you there are logical reasons.
There are also a few gigantic, impossible, James-Cameron-like stretches of reason – but hear me out.
Before I get into that, let me be clear that there are a few things I don’t buy ever at thrift stores. Old non-stick cookware is out. Old electronics? Very rarely, if ever. Underwear? No way ever ever ever. And the king of things to never buy? Intimate items for your significant other, which amazingly they do sell (never never ever, gentlemen).
Reasons I love shopping at thrift stores – oh yeah and that health tie-in thing
Here’s a list of some of the reasons why I love shopping at thrift stores when you’re trying to lose weight.
- Rewarding yourself with clothes that fit – on a budget. One of many great tips I come across repeatedly (and use to my advantage) is to “reward” yourself with clothes that fit as you get in better shape. Similarly, you can set up a goal by buying something that you love but that is a little too small – Its a great motivator for me.
However, clearly this could get expensive if you’ve got a lot of weight to lose, and especially if you’re eating higher quality food that may force you to rethink your budget priorities a little. And that’s where thrift stores come in.
Case in point: The pants in the picture.
I bought these pants today knowing full well that they do not fit – YET. They are about a size too small in the waist, but the quality was too good to pass up. So, these pants become a great weight loss tool: they are an affordable source of motivation to get down another pants size.
And these pants are luscious. Yeah, I just said “luscious”.
They are pants that normally retail for easily more than I’d spend on 3 pairs of pants, but being a find at the thrift store means they’re within my inner cheapskate’s boundaries. And the best part? Today was blue tag day at the thrift store, so they were marked down by an additional 50% to $7.47 – an almost 95% discount off of retail, and never worn as far as I can tell. But they will be soon, proudly.
- It’s a hunter gatherer thing: I love the thrill of the style hunt – even for styles meant for thinner folk. My wife and I both love to find and share things that are visually interesting or unusual, from innovative ads to well-designed kitchenware. Fashion is no exception. It’s not uncommon for me to rush from one side of a large store to the other only to extoll the virtues of the triple stitching in a jacket, or the rare-but-highly-sought-after hand-stitching of vintage Italian leather shoes.
Personally, I think it’s good for our marriage. 
Unfortunately, most of these great finds are for people of, well, slimmer physiques. But turning that into motivation works for me, even if I don’t buy it (I will never be a size 28 waist. No way.). It doesn’t help me with fine leather shoes much, but pants, shirts, and jackets? Definitely.
- Exercise equipment graveyards – Or, “things at which you should not throw your money”. Thrift stores almost always have piles of grungy, junky fad-driven exercise machines. The piles of junk are good reminders not to waste your money in the first place. There are better ways to exercise than overpriced, poorly made fly-by-night contraptions that wither and die in the closet or under the deck.
- On the other hand, exercise equipment graveyards are good places to find new things to try – on the cheap. Occasionally buried in those piles of ab floggers and thigh blasters you can find high quality items that are made to last and might give your exercise routine a change – at a fraction of the original price. Good examples of quality items I’ve found are cast iron dumbells, kids’ sports gear, and sometimes bicycles (if you know what you’re looking for).
Today was a great example: Thanks to some personal knowledge of bike gear and my iPhone I was able to check the original price as well as the reviews for a bicycle that had just been put out, and it was a good deal: It retailed for over $400 dollars several years ago, not including the improved seat and rims that it came with. My price? $19.95. Sold.
- Haunting thrift stores is a good way to stay grounded. This might sound terrible to some, but it’s honest: If you visit thrift stores often you will quickly encounter a huge cross-section of people ranging from those who are pretty “together” just looking for a bargain, to those who…well let’s just say that in the Texas Hold ‘Em game of life, so far they either a) haven’t been dealt much by way of face cards, or b) wasted more than a few good hands by indulging in some of the more destructive vices of life – for much too long.
I point this out because there are a few immediate internal results each time I leave a thrift store. First, with regard to patrons clearly down on their luck, it’s a good reminder that hard times can befall anybody no matter what station you think you’ve reached in life, or what good fortune you’ve had so far. It reminds me to be thankful for what I have in health, in my family, and in my work. It also reminds me that we’re all just people, and it takes all kinds.
But it also reminds me that my life choices matter. If you continue down a path of self-destructive behavior (i.e. smoking, eating junk, drinking excessively), in all likelihood it’s going to catch up with you sooner or later both in form and function. And some of the rougher folks at thrift stores, sadly in my opinion, are living proof.
In my case, that means being as healthy and “put together” as I can be. Seeing someone at the opposite extreme is frankly a good reminder that I’m in control of my own fate, regardless of the circumstances or in some cases, the choices, of others. Does this make me better than them? No. It means every day I make a good choice, I took responsibility for my life in that moment, and I was really fortunate to have that option.
- Buying quality products is synonymous with buying quality food. While I don’t recommend ever, ever buying a snack at a thrift store (yikes), being surrounded by piles of plastic disposable junk reminds me that we are bombarded with the “more, and cheaper, is better” philosophy in everything, and we as a culture continue to buy it over and over again.
But we don’t have to. You can buy quality things that last, even on a budget. Finding good quality items in a thrift store requires time, including both the search and the research beforehand. But the investment of time pays off in big ways, and affords me the “luxury” of putting my money into better choices in other categories, like food.Thrift stores have piles of cheaply made, worn out clothing. But occasionally you find something that you could never normally afford that has little if any wear (my wife once found a pair of women’s pants that were from an exclusive designer – they were $400 dollars originally!) But knowing what you’re looking at of course involves learning a bit more about what to look for in brands, in construction, and so forth. And that may not be your cup of tea.
For me, it has become a hobby of sorts that I enjoy. I love looking at sites like The Sartorialist for style ideas (though some are a bit too “out there” for me), as well as guidance in understanding why some clothes look better than others (where a jacket should fall on the shoulders, what a tailored shirt looks like vs. a cheaply made shirt, etc.). Again, it may be a little too “chi chi” for you, but there is nothing that says you have to follow what sites like these suggest; you can pick and choose some of the advice, or none at all.
The soapbox – You knew it was coming, right?
Believe it or not, I am increasingly of the belief that consumerism is one of the root societal causes of obesity – even beyond our food choices. Walk down the aisles of a thrift store and look at pile after pile of broken, branded, unnecessary junk, from giant candy-shaped plastic toys to junk food-themed cookie jars, and you will start to see how this mirrors what we are being continually told to put in our body from a food perspective.
And while I may be waxing philosophical a bit here, I think there is merit to the idea that we can easily look at our food like we look at a pile of cheap plastic goods. Buying cheaply solves an immediate problem/hunger, and on occasion is necessary – but more often than not a better choice can be made by reprioritizing where we put our dollars and planning ahead for what we need. And in the end, whether it’s plastic thrift store items or cheap industrial food, the junk adds up.
As I mentioned, thrift store shopping may not be of interest to you. But that’s OK. It just means more bargains for the rest of us.
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This is probably my favorite of the posts that you have written. My wife and I love to go thrift store shopping. I think I enjoy it more than her – you absolutely never know what you might find at such awesome prices. I also go to auctions — another cheap way to find great things.
You have to be careful at auctions though because you don’t have the luxury all of the items out as you would in a store setting.
Awesome post.
.-= Seth´s last blog ..2/20 & a New Layout!! =-.
Thanks Seth – I appreciate it. This one feels much more like “the way I used to write” on Almost Fit. Hopefully its the start of a trend
I don’t think I’ve ever been in a thrift store but I’m very much with you on consumerism being one of the causes of obesity.
My wife and I have made a pledge to stop buying crap for the sake of buying something and it’s been pretty damn good.
.-= AndrewENZ´s last blog ..One Hundred Push-ups in a Row =-.
Oh gosh, I had no idea we had this in common. I not only love to shop at thrift and second-hand stores, I usually prefer shopping there. I buy practically all of my furniture used, looking for well-made pieces that are at least 40-50 years old. They’re usually made better and I appreciate the workmanship. (The only new things in my place are some bookshelves and a filing cabinet, and they’re already starting to fall apart.)
I also look for interesting serving ware, such as silver bowls, ceramics, and flatware. I bought a nice, silver-plated Oneida bowl for 1.99 last week, and a hand-made clay pitcher, with a folk-inspired squirrel on the side. And since I’m an Oregon native, I’m a sucker for ducks, so I couldn’t resist the little duck-shaped pitcher I found for .99 cents. Kitschy, 60′s era stuff is fun, too – I got a Pyrex carafe similar to the one my mom had back in the day, for under $1. (It was missing the little tea light warmer, which reduced its worth, but not its nostalgia value for me.)
Like you, I do have the same prohibitions on some cookware, underwear (ugh), electronics, and lately, I’ve passed on shoes, unless they’re very gently used designer. Everything else is fair game, and since being laid-off again, browsing the local Goodwill has become my version of shopping therapy.
Great post! Thanks.
I almost exclusively shop at thrift stores, even better garage sales, not undies or socks nor gym shoes, etc. I am unemployed and have dropped from 16/18 to 6/8. Hella expensive, and I will forever have phobia about shopping. Funny, I find everything from small to large, sizes are all over the place. As for consumerism, I agree with you, I buy little. Food is a big expense, but not toys, electronics, etc. I have little room, little stuff, and I like it that way. In my part of the world, thrift stores are mostly for hipsters, with a few exceptions, and these exceptions have the bigger clothes. Different target audience?
I have always bought stuff that didn’t fit yet, and it almost all fits now. Some is already too big, some isn’t a good style though it fits. I don’t mind spending $2 on a pair of pants that don’t fit, but $60+? Actually, I’m not going to buy stuff that doesn’t fit anymore, even for cheap.
.-= julie´s last blog ..Thoughts on reaching goal =-.
Thanks to everyone for the comments. I really appreciate your thoughts!
@Andrew – this doesn’t surprise me one bit that we think similarly on this subject. Although for certain NZ has it’s fair share of consumer-driven habits, in our experience visiting it somehow seemed less of a focus for many folks we met. I don’t know if that holds up in a larger sampling of typical Kiwi culture, but it was the feeling I got without question.
@LaVonne – Hi LaVonne! One thing I can tell you: the Portland thrift stores are much less picked through than the L.A. stores we used to shop. And I think there are fewer “savvy” shoppers just by sheer population density here, so the bargains are abundant
@Julie – thanks for your thoughts, and congratulations on reaching your goal. I checked out your site and I have to say this section really struck me: “…Most of all, I mourn so many years spent obsessing and hating myself and my body, so that now I am a middle-aged woman whose biggest accomplishment is losing the weight. Now I have to keep it off, and lose a bit more. I’m not going to try to rush it now.”
That is a whole lot to think about for most of us in a similar situation. Well said.
.-= Metroknow´s last blog ..Secrets of a thrift store shopper =-.
I enjoyed this article so much! I do visit and shop thrift stores for many items, mostly our camping and seasonal things. I haven’t bought my summer shorts from a retail store in over 10 years because I can buy them from thrift stores for $4. I’ve started weight exercising at home and since I’m using different pounds of weights while I build up to heavier weights I buy them from a thrift store. Not only do I buy from thrift stores I donate or sell my gentle used items.
The one area I am very aware of spending and buying patterns is our food. No more packaged food stuff. Our pantry is stocked with real whole foods. I can get carried away with buying bulk foods so I have to check the pantry before shopping so I don’t buy another pound of walnuts or flax seeds!
Less is better. When we moved last summer I was amazed at the “stuff” we collected. I donated boxes of things. Keeping the clutter down gives me such peace and I save a ton of money on stuff I didn’t need to start with.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful article!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Organic Granola Bars Recalled – Salmonella Risk, Feb. 2010 =-.
I’m just discovering your blog – it’s great! I agree that consumerism is one cause of obesity. Buying the newest brand of candy, cereal, etc. as kids, setting us up for a diet that isn’t necessarily based on the basics of protein, whole grains, and produce – it’s definitely a problem!
.-= Chad´s last blog ..Nutrition From the Ground Up =-.
My daughter got me into thrift stores. I’ve gotten brand new $180 jeans for $35. Jeans are a very hard thing for me to buy. At almost 54, I wear a size 2. That may sound like a blessing, but let me tell you – you aren’t going to find approporatie clothing that fits right at WalMart.
I got my Ellen Tracy down coat for $25.
I got red wine glasses that I just love – 8 of them for $12.
The only problem is – you gotta have time. It requires a lot of digging through the crap to find the gems.
Happy Hunting!
.-= Carole´s last blog ..Welcome to the Members Area! =-.
Common Sense Living » Blog Archive » Do You Like Thrift Stores? Says: 06.03.10 at 5:16 pm
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Hi,
I found your blog post referred to by Carole of Common Sense Living and had to check it out.
Thrift stores to me are a fun place to shop. There are all types of clothing to choose from, and some of it is high-quality at a reasonable price. I like to find pieces that are not run of the mill but help me stand out and show my uniqueness. As others mentioned, you can find so many different types of items all in one place-crafts,books,linens, furniture,kitchen goods, decor,outdoor items, sporting goods, and more.
Buying at these also helps non-profits, creates jobs for others- including handicapped workers who otherwise wouldn’t be able to work, and gives us an alternative choice to Walmart and other “low-price
stores” where the quality is often lacking. I also donate to these stores and feel good about doing so as well as getting the tax deduction.
I love thrift stores – especially during a transition to smaller sizes. Nothing like saving a full out shopping spree for the end result or to celebrate milestones.
.-= Gayla @ Slim Fit Mama´s last blog ..Nagging Thoughts & Sleepless Nights =-.
Well, as you can see, I’m a little behind in the RSS reader, but none the less, I’m a big fan of thrift stores, and taught my children the value of them, too.
Your consumer angle is dead on. Why add to the already bloated refuge of clothes, books, and just plain stuff when you don’t have to. It’s amazing the quality of merchandise one can find a a thrift store and at extremely good prices.
Plus, as one changes sizes, donating unwearables to your local thrift store is a great way to keep your own closet or house, as the case may be, uncluttered.
Great post, Metro.
.-= LisaNewton´s last blog ..Ratatouille =-.
Buying from thrift stores is much better for the environment. Good for you!
I have no interest in following fashion, and really don’t care what others think I look like – I’m just looking for something that fits that I can exercise in. (I still have 100 pounds to lose. Maybe I’ll feel differently about it once I’m much slimmer.)
Fortunately, it’s illegal to sell used undies in Canada – so that’s not an issue. Childrens’ shoes are cheap, plentiful, and barely used. I guess a lot of kids grow out of them before they can really get a lot of use. This has been a lifesaver, as I have a fast growing 2 year old (he’s wearing size 3T & 4, and currently in a toddler’s size 10 shoe.) Good shoes can cost $60 or more, unless I go to the infamous W-store – and we’ve done this a few times – just to have the shoes fall apart after a few uses. The local thrift store boasts some great brand names.
Toys, books, DVDs & VHS tapes are also terrific buys at these places. If I buy a toy that might end up in his mouth, I run it through the dishwasher before he gets it.
We got a big coffee maker – the kind you find at meetings, for summer family get togethers, for a few bucks. Uncut sewing patterns, sewing notions and misc. craft supplies are always around for pennies on the dollar. And used sheets (run them through a wash with bleach) are great for practice sewing or making sun dresses.
Have a great day!
You can get some pretty awesome deals if you know how to shop. Just want to add that consumerism is important in order to support our economy but at the same time it allows people to feel good by what they own instead of being healthy and feeling good from that. Buying objects is external where as good health is internal. You can’t feel good on the inside unless you take care of yourself.
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