Comments on: I Love Thrift Stores!

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 02:21:11 +0000

I usually visit thrift stores every time i see one because you can get a lot of things which cost less and will save you some money. I already bought a lot of clothes from thrift stores and still use them.

By: Linda

Linda — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:53:44 +0000

I haven’t checked out the thrift stores but I LOVE garage saleing. I can always find clothes for $1 per piece or less. With a new one on the way I’ve already filled 4 big tubs full of clothes from size 0-4! I’ve told everyone I know not to buy anything new for the baby. I’d rather have 20 used outfits at $1 per piece that look brand new, than 1 item at $20.

By: Rob Wilson

Rob Wilson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:24:01 +0000

I love thrift stores too. I confess..I only rarely shop there, but I love the concept and the resource that it is for those in need, those wanting to score a deal, those concerned about our use and throw away society, etc. My wife loves freecycle, and we love to receive “hand me downs” from relatives and friends. HOWEVER, I have some very bad news. Next time you are in your local thrift store, pay attention to the scope of children’s products available. Chances are it will be pretty slim, and getting slimmer (some don’t accept kids stuff at all anymore). If you this doesn’t depict your thrift store…just wait a while, it is coming.

In response to the recalls of 2007 the government passed a law known as the CPSIA. Among other things it has toughened the lead standard from 600 ppm for paint (which by the way was not the problem in 2007, the problem was excessive lead over that limit) to 90 ppm in paint and 300 ppm in any other material (ie metal buttons, zippers, plastic etc). Since the law does not allow for products made before the implementation of the law to be sold if there is any chance it doesn’t meet the new standard (even if it meets the original safe standard) unless expensive testing is done…which won’t happen at thrift stores. (This extends to garage sales by the way).

The CPSC has issued a booklet outlining the things that thrift stores should not sell (including anything plastic (due to possibility of phthalates) metal, wood (unless it is without paint or varnish), or books printed in 1985 or earler (or any book that is played with). Recalled products were already banned and continue to be banned…of course.

You can read more about the controversy at http://cpsia-central.ning.com/profiles/blogs/getting-to-the-truth-of-the and more about the CPSIA at http://www.whatisthecpsia.com.

It isn’t too late to act. Contact the CPSC and your local politician.

There are other problems with this law, but I will stay on topic and leave it at that.

Rob

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:35:20 +0000

I was at a great new thrift store today myself and scored!!!!
A cashmere turtleneck, Kenneth Cole kneehigh leather boats, jjill shirt, harold’s shirt and Ann Taylor blouse for $14. I would rather buy second hand if i can find the item. Saves money and landfill. No packaging or bags to dispose of. Also, all the thirft stores i shop at support charities from our local homeless shelter, community outreach center and an orphage in Guatamala.

wendy

By: Casual Friday Every Day

Casual Friday Every Day — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:22:51 +0000

We lived in thrift stores all my young life and I never looked at it in a negative way. I always got some really fun clothes there. I was a little surprised when I walked into a “second hand” store {is there a difference?} a few years ago, after having not been since I was young, and realized the prices were WAY more expensive than I remembered. But I guess that is to be expected when you haven’t been in many years!

Nell

By: Andrea

Andrea — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:35:59 +0000

Gotta love those thrift stores! We get a ton of clothes there, but I also love to get stuff for different projects I’m doing. Like last week I went down and bought a bunch of decorative tiles, the kind that people hang on their walls, for a quarter each. Then I broke them up and made a mosiac table top for our living room! It really brightened things up! Can’t beat the prices, plus recycling is awesome!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 20:21:19 +0000

Lucky for all of you that have thrift stores with good prices. The thrift stores here in Seattle are expensive. I usually only go on half price days and even then most clothing items cost between $3-5 a piece. What I do is trade clothes with friends with kids. This has worked out really well for everyone involved and it’s FREE.

By: Keith Wilcox

Keith Wilcox — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:05:02 +0000

Wow! you got some great deals. I really wish I applied myself to finding those deals. I envy you for that By the way, I agree with Katharyn. The winter will be harsh. I bought my boys new snow suits during the summer which I think was a smart idea as I saved a bunch and the demand is now quite high (I live in Boulder CO). Anyway, have a great weekend!

By: Katharyn

Katharyn — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:47:33 +0000

I think this winter is going to be harsh, everywhere fall was a sudden change not a gradual thing, even here in Phoenix!

I did a series of Second Hand Tuesday Post prior to our moving to Phoenix. Coming from Seattle most of my clothes were winter/fall, and all of my business attire what heavy and warm. Using Value Village (Savers) Good Will Monday Sales I was able to get a whole new wardrobe while still saving to move. You have to love the second hand stores!

By: v

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:28:18 +0000

I also love thrift stores (and yard sales). I balk at the sale and clearance prices on new items because they’re many times more expensive than the items I can find at the thrift stores. It takes a little more time, but it’s worth it. Also, my daughter is four and I can’t imagine spending huge amounts of money on clothes that will last her half a year or so.