Thrift shopping, especially for a beginner, can be overwhelming and intimidating at first. The large crowd, disoriented racks of clothing, and aisles of shoes at the clothing donation store are enough to make anyone feel lost.
Knowing when it’s ideal to visit your favorite thrift store can help you save time and score the best deals.
Here are some of the best times to shop at a thrift store:
Early in the Week
Weekends are often the “designated” shopping days, especially for the 9-5 crowd. It’s one of the only times the majority are free. The probability of finding something desirable or unique on weekends may be lower due to competing shoppers.
If you have free time in your schedule, early Mondays and Tuesdays are your best bets. Stores tend to be less crowded, allowing you more time to peruse items.
In addition, employees traditionally restock what has been donated earlier in the week and over the weekend. This means you get the first pick and a more comprehensive selection of items, increasing your chances of finding a treasure.
During the Spring Cleaning Season
Spring cleaning is one of the best times to find high-quality items at low prices. People will purge their closets of heavy clothing such as sweaters, winter coats, and boots as they prepare for warmer weather.
They may then donate these items to local charity-owned thrift stores. If you’re in the market looking for quality winter clothes, spring cleaning is the perfect time to look.
Weeding through piles of old clothes can yield valuable finds such as antiques & collectibles, designer garments, and vintage jewelry.
Before making any purchases, inspect each item for stains, holes, tears, or broken zippers. Clothing that looks good may not always fit well, so always try everything on before buying it.
During Special Offers or Sale Events
Many thrift stores have special offers or events periodically throughout the year. Deals may include an extra percentage off your purchase, half off clearance items, and even buy one get one 50% off.
Some clothing donation stores may offer discounts to special groups such as seniors, military personnel, students, and people with disabilities. It’s a big chance to pick up big-ticket items without paying the total price.
Call ahead or check their social media for announcements to find out about upcoming specials. Arrive early; otherwise, you may face long lines and miss out on the discounts.
The Beginning of the Year
Like the spring cleaning season, the beginning of the year is another excellent time to shop at the thrift store. Many families get a fresh start after the holidays and spend January decluttering and donating items. The items include but are not limited to books, clothes, electronics, furniture, and household items.
It’s the time of the year when people are looking to get their tax receipts in order.
Donating to a charity can qualify people or companies for a tax write-off. This can lead to a higher influx of items, sometimes doubling the number of clothing donations. More items increase your odds of finding that coveted or hard-to-find item at rock-bottom prices.
National Holidays
Holidays come with their own set of celebrations. Families and friends usually participate in a tradition of exchanging gifts or even donating to charitable organizations.
Your favorite thrift store is likely to see an increase in donations during national holidays.
This is a great time to stock up on bargain gifts, as many stores offer promotional discounts. You might find that unique present for your loved ones at lower prices.
Keep an eye out for store-specific promotions not only on the day of the event but also in the days preceding and following it. Some stores may run a pre/post-event promotion to increase attendance and sales.
You can always check the thrift store’s website, social media pages, or in-store signs for updates.
Go Thrifting at a Clothing Donation Store Near You
Shopping at a thrift store is an excellent way to give back to the community and aid the underprivileged. It’s ideal for those on a tight budget looking for one-of-a-kind items or good deals. When shopping, be particular about your preferences to get quality clothing donations from thrift stores.
