Thrift Stores

According to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, a Thrift shop is run by a not-for-profit organization to raise money to fund their charitable causes. Not-for-profit agencies usually obtain their goods through donations and are not obligated to thoroughly check the items to be resold in the store. Unlike retail stores, items are non-refundable.

Some popular thrift stores are: The Goodwill Store, Savers, Salvation Army, and also be sure to check the local church, hospital or school thrift shops in your area.

Five benefits of shopping at a thrift store:

1. Thrift stores sell for less than any other retail outlet.
2. There is a constant influx of merchandise with a high turnover rate, so there is always something new.
3. Bargain hunting is fun for some, especially those hoping to resell for a profit.
4. You are recycling which helps to save the planet from more trash accumulation.
5. People who give items away to charity organizations can obtain a receipt for the donation from the thrift store. This receipt can then be used to claim for personal tax deductions.

Consignment Boutiques

A consignment shop agrees to sell merchandise for a percentage, which is shared between seller and store owner, when and if the items are sold. The majority of such shops pay the owners from 40 percent to 60 percent of the selling price, and have a policy of displaying goods for anywhere from 30 to 90 days, although there is a wide range of policies across the country. Some consignment shops also purchase a variety of items outright from individual owners and/or wholesalers.

Five Benefits of Shopping at a Consignment Boutique:

1. The quality, no doubt, is much higher compared to thrift stores, given the fact that items are accepted after careful scrutiny in order to be resold.
2. Boutiques are set up like a full-priced retail store, which enhances the shopping ambience. Usually they are neat, clean, organized, and clearly priced with a friendly and helpful staff.
3. Some items will still have the original price tag, which possibly means they’ve never been worn, and you can clearly see how much you are saving. Many times the full retail store prices are 30 percent to 90 percent higher than what you will pay at a consignment shop. The great news is that consignment stores have their own markdowns in order to move inventory and allow for newer items in the store.
4. There are more brand names to discover, compared to a department store or retail outlet that you are used to. You are sure to find un-heard of designers and “new” styles for your wardrobe, no matter the occasion.
5. By shopping Consignment you are not only helping a small business thrive, you are supporting a community and recycling at the same time.

Lisa Malmgren /Classified Image Consultant