Thrift Shopping

How to make the most of your time and money at Kingston’s thrift stores.

I’ve never really been a brand-name shopper. Why spend more just to wear a certain name, essentially giving these self-proclaimed “prestigious” companies free advertising by wearing their logo on my dime?

Then I started bargain hunting in thrift shops and it made those same brand names more attractive and affordable. I had to concede that some of the items I had shunned are very beautiful and of much higher quality. But someone else can buy them at full price and eventually donate them to a thrift store for me to find! Sorry Walmart and Loblaws, but I will never buy the George or Joe Fresh brands from a thrift store. 

“Most days the only thing I’m wearing that I actually bought brand-new is my underwear.”

And by ‘most days’ I mean the odd day I might have on a new shirt, and not that I am wearing used underwear on those days. That is just GROSS!

Supporting the environment
The three Rs we learned in grade school — reduce, reuse and recycle — are not only important for the environment, but also a good family value easily incorporated into any household. I donate my used items to thrift stores to reduce the amount of waste I contribute to landfills. I find treasures and name brand clothes at those same thrift stores that I can reuse. And of course, like everyone else, I recycle at the curb each week. We are all very good at this ‘R’ but can probably improve on the first two. 

Know what can be donated
When donating your unwanted items, know what is accepted for donation – and what is not – to avoid frustration at the store.  Here are some links/phone numbers to find out what is accepted at thrift stores located in Kingston, Ontario: 

• Value Village
• Talize
• Salvation Army
• Mission Thrift Store
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Kingston Thrift Store: (613) 542-1234
• The Good Way Thrift Store (613) 817-1213

Making the most of your thrift shopping
Obviously the list of where you can donate is the same as where you can buy.

Thrift shopping can take only a few minutes. If you know what you’re looking for, simply pop in to find the perfect blue dress and sparkling heels – before making that trip to the mall. 

Or thrift shopping can take hours if you are browsing the entire store for random deals and great treasures. Make sure you allow yourself enough time for this. I have my route that works in most stores: books, home décor, ladies shoes (and kids shoes), pictures, purses, and then clothes if I’m not too exhausted by then. 

It takes a lot of strength and will power to avoid impulse buying when thrift shopping, because an item really could be lost forever if you don’t scoop it up now! I really have no advice here, but it is good to know the store’s return policy in case you change your mind. 

And finally, be patient. Stores can be crowded, especially on discount days. 

Take advantage of in-store coupons and discounts
I’m so cheap that I don’t even like paying full price in thrift stores anymore. Check out these ways to save even more at these Kingston thrift stores (and, possibly, at similar ones near you).

Value Village:     

• Capitalize on Seniors (60+) Day and save 30 per cent every Tuesday
• Sign up to receive emails for end-of-season clearance days like 50 per cent off clothes
• Donate unwanted items to receive a 20 per cent off coupon for your next purchase

Talize:     

• Seniors (55+) students and military families save 10 per cent everyday
• Take advantage of daily Managers’ specials of 50 per cent off particular items
• Donate unwanted items and receive a $5 coupon off your next purchase

Regifting
And what about those new items still in the original packaging? Well if you can’t use it yourself it could make a great gift. Let’s say it out loud: we are living in a world where regifting is becoming more popular and acceptable! I love it.

There are now four Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle & regift. 

You can also get some amazing finds shopping for those previously-loved items online. This is where I furnished my house. Check out these two popular sites:

Facebook
If you have a Facebook account, then shopping and selling through their Marketplace is a must. I do find that the users of Facebook Marketplace are very responsive when buying and selling items. And good items sell quickly when listed at reasonable prices. Prices are always negotiable, but I don’t dicker if the price seems more than fair. Just pay it, pick it up and move on to your next great find. 

Kijiji
If you still refuse to have a Facebook account there is always Kijiji. I’m starting to get a little leary of the anonymous and commercial nature of Kijiji and have had friends ripped-off using that platform.

Thrift shop on vacation!
Going on vacation? Make a rainy day plan to shop at a new thrift store or two. Because your time is valuable, you may want to start with one of the larger chain thrift stores. Maybe ask another shopper to recommend another locally operated store or flea market in the town you are visiting.

FYI, the 20 per cent off coupons I received at our Kingston Value Village were accepted at their store in Belleville. 

Anyway, everyone else is doing it so why aren’t you!? I’m there, my mom is there, my kids are there, my friends are there, their kids and their friends are there. None of us need to be there from a financial standpoint, but we all just like to keep some of our precious dollars in our pockets while still looking great and decorating our homes with special treasures. 

I hope your first thrift shopping experience is a good one. If not, try again. I promise it will be worth it in the end.