Shopping at thrift stores is traditionally an economical way to buy clothes and basic necessities for low-income families and individuals. Today Thrift Store shopping has become a fun and exciting way to find great deals on rare and expensive consumer goods for pennies on the dollar. Here are some amazing things that you can buy on the cheap.
1. Designer Clothes
Every savvy bargain hunter knows that thrift stores are the number one spot to find great deals on designer clothes for a fraction of the cost at retail stores. At Rescue Mission thrift stores you will find name brands such as Levis, Citizens of Humanity, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Bebe, DKNY, Guess, and just about any top name brand you can think of.
2. Collector’s Items
You would be surprised at what you can find at your local Rescue Mission Thrift Store. In 2006 a South Carolina man purchased an oil painting for a measly $3.00 at his local thrift store. It turned out that his painting was an original Flemish Painting from 1650. The South Carolina man ended up auctioning off his $3.00 purchase for $190,000! In 2005 an Oxnard man found a confederate soldier at his local Rescue Mission Thrift Store that shoots a coin-loaded cannon into a piggy bank for under $5.00. To this man’s surprise, the piggy bank was made after the civil war and was appraised at over $5,000. Soon after learning of this discovery, his brother decided to take up thrift store treasure hunting and found a similar piggy bank where a frontiersman shoots a coin into a bear’s mouth. The treasure find was appraised at $1,900. While finding hidden treasures at your local Rescue Mission thrift store is uncertain at times, one thing is for certain. If you know what you are looking for, you will find valuable collector’s items in just about any Rescue Mission Thrift Store.
Valuable collector’s Items that may be found at Rescue Mission Thrift Stores
- Vintage Toys, e.g. Hot wheels, G.I. Joe, Star Wars Figurines, Japanese Robots, Vintage Dolls, Tonka Trucks, and rare toys.
- Valuable artwork, sculptures, trinkets, tapestries
- Antique Jewelry, watches, necklaces, etc.
- Antiquities and rare artifacts
The bottom line is this. You never know what you may find at your local Rescue Mission Thrift Shop. Pay close attention to what you are looking at, it could make you a small fortune.
3. Sporting Goods & Accessories
Taking up a new hobby doesn’t have to be expensive. Have you ever wanted to go on a snowboarding trip but couldn’t pay for all that expensive gear? Or have you ever wanted to take up fishing but couldn’t afford fishing rods and tackle? Ever wanted to take your family hiking but couldn’t afford hiking shoes/boots and backpacks? The list goes on and on. Fortunately, the odds of finding great sporting goods at your local thrift shop are in your favor.
Here are a few popular sporting goods items that you might find at your local thrift store.
- Baseball: bats, batting gloves, catcher’s mitts, and even cleats
- Basketball: shoes, balls, and apparel
- Football: Jerseys, footballs, cleats
- Snowboarding/Ski: skis, snowboards, waterproof jackets, snowboard boots, waterproof pants, snow gloves, etc.
So before you go out to your local sporting goods retail store, check with your local thrift stores. Talk with the manager and see if they can notify you if your items on your wish list show up. Chances are they will.
4. Home Appliances
Buying home appliances doesn’t have to be expensive. Especially if you are a college student, or young professional just getting started on your own. Thrift stores commonly carry everyday small home appliances that will save you a truckload of money.
Here’s a list of common items that can be found at your local thrift store.
- Microwave Ovens
- Toasters and Toaster Ovens
- Blenders and Food Processors
- Irons and Ironing boards
If you are just starting out on your own or if you are on a tight budget, you might want to check out your local thrift store.
5. Musical Instruments
We all know that musical instruments are expensive. But don’t lose hope. Rescue Mission Thrift Stores occasionally sell great musical instruments on the cheap. In some cases, extremely rare and valuable music instruments can be found for just a fraction of what you would pay at a music store.
Pro Tip: Musical Instruments such as Guitars, Violins, and Amplifiers go really fast. Be sure to frequently visit your local Rescue Mission Thrift Store often to get the best deals on musical instruments.
Here’s a few common items that can be found at your local thrift store.
- Guitars: electric and acoustic
- Amplifiers
- Wind Instruments: Harmonicas, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets. Trombones, Piccolos, and Flutes
- Keyboards and Synthesizers
So before you head out to your local music shop, check with your local Rescue Mission Thrift Store. They may have what you are looking for at a great bargain.