The Joys of Thrift Stores

I cross posted this to  http://livecheapordie.wordpress.com/


Who doesn't like new clothes, new furniture, new dishes, new anything? No one. We all would and do like new things, but because of reality, most of us can't always afford these new things. I would like new clothes, and new furniture, but we can't afford it. Because we can't, we do the next best thing and get the things we want and need used, from thrift stores.

I know that some people think that only the really down and out shop at thrift stores. But that is far from the truth. The truth is that people from all walks of life shop at thrift stores for all different reasons, and not all of those reasons are economic.

I first started going to thrift stores looking for old computer components and software. I was just a kid when the great computer revolution of the 70s and 80s and couldn't afford a one back then. Nor could my parents afford an Atari game system. But when I got on my own, I started buying those things that I had desired back then. Really the only place to find these wonders of human ingenuity was thrift stores. Going from store to store looking for lost treasures was both fun and exciting.

Now, with five kids, several new reasons have been added. Have you seen the prices of children's clothes? Ridiculous. Baby shoes and clothes are expensive and they grow out of them before they really get used. You can find these items usually in almost new condition at a fraction of the retail price. This savings was a big help when the kids were younger. Now that they are older, we rarely buy new clothes. We can usually fill their needs buy going to the thrift stores. We do occasionally get new clothes, especially shoes, socks and underwear at retail stores.

I do admit that I still hunt for vintage electronics and computers at thrift stores. Maybe it is the thrill of the hunt. Most of the time, I don't find anything of interest, but once in a while I get lucky, like searching for buried treasure.

So, thrift stores serve a valuable service for all walks of life for all different reasons. Come on and give one a try. It just may be the beginning of a long and great relationship.

Live cheap or die!