How Inflation is affecting the thrift stores

 

It seems that Inflation has hit a 40 year high affecting everything from gas prices, housing, food, and consumer goods.  Inflation started to creep up on us back in December 2021 as the pandemic took its toll on employees who were resistant to going back to work again for low wages.  No one was willing to risk their lives again for low wages, the risk of being exposed to unvaccinated people and people who refused to wear a mask was simply overwhelming for many entering the job force again.  

Inflation has its root causes and there are many causes contributing to it such as the supply chain disruption, there were many truck drivers that refused to work during the pandemic.  Those that did work refused to adhere to the mask mandates rules.  Canada had recent protests where truckers used trucks to jam traffic and prevent supplies from being delivered.   Many Americans supported the Canadian protests.  The disruption of the supply chain such as ports full of cargo that hasn’t been delivered to stores has caused shelves to become bare.  With the supply, not being delivered the prices for those goods have gone up.

Truck drivers not delivering the products to the stores has caused supply chain disruptions.  The great resignation has caused many Americans to look for higher-paying jobs as they switch jobs or quit.

Higher gas prices at the pump are making goods and services become more expensive as these businesses pass the cost down to the consumer.    

All of these factors have contributed to Inflation.   Inflation is affecting the thrift stores because more people are going to the thrift stores to find consumer goods that they would otherwise purchase at a retail store.  

Fewer people are donating to thrift because they would rather resell items on eBay, Facebook marketplace, Mercari, and Poshmark.  As opposed to donating like before the Inflation hit the public.   People need money and are making money by sales of items at garage sales flea markets and online sales.  

Thrift stores are raising their prices as Inflation hits most retail stores.  Clothing is becoming more expensive in both retail and thrift stores.  Even though, some thrift stores have prices that are less than the retail prices in comparison.   

The thrift stores are increasing in volume and increasing their prices.

How to make thrift clothing last longer?

Some thrift clothing can last a long time depending fabric it made with . I would purchase name brands like Ann Taylor loft, Express, the Gap, Talbots, Chico’s because they are quality brands and the clothing may be more resistant to wear and tear of the washing machine. 

Purchase clothing that is washable in laundry washing machine not dry clean only articles.

There are ways to make thrift clothing last longer by,

1. Picking up nonbranded and branded clothing first make sure its washable and not dry clean only.

2. Wash in cold only, hot water will wear out clothing faster in wash.

3. Air dry clothing instead of using dryer

4. Mend any holes it may have by sewing

5. Shave off the lint off clothing with clothes shaver

6. Gently steam the clothing instead of ironing

7. Hang your clothes to air them out daily

8. Use Oxiclean to get tough stains out

9. Spray with white vinegar to get out smells

10.  Try not to wash clothing often to keep them from wearing out.

In summary using these ten suggestions can help to keep thrift store clothing from wearing out too soon.

But keep in mind that the clothing at the thrift has been proven to be strong because they are in resellable condition.  Some fabrics can be sustainable depending upon the brand.  With proper care clothing can last 15 years or more.  

Why thrift store reselling is ethical and not unethical?

 

Why thrifting and reselling is ethical and not unethical?

I read an article in the North Texan Daily where the writer wrote that reselling is unethical because it causes the thrift store prices to rise. Therefore making it less affordable for the community that relies on these items.  

The writer argues that thrifting has become trendy and no longer has a stigma or shame attached to it.  The writer cites a 2010 Pennsylvania State University study which "showed that lower-income individuals more often purchased clothing, furniture, and household goods. Whereas higher-income individuals purchased trinkets and antiques and shopped less frequently." The writer concluded that low-income shoppers thrift as a "necessity" whereas higher-income shoppers thrift as a "commodity".  Therefore making reselling unethical by purchasing low-priced items and reselling for higher profit.  

The writer writes about the gentrification of the thrift industry as wealthier and middle-class people push out the poor by purchasing these thrift items and reselling them for higher profit. Thrift stores will cater to resellers and others willing to pay more for their items.  

The writer goes on to write that thrifting is a good practice because it's recycling clothing instead of landing in landfills.  It is good for the environment but at the same time argues that what is happening to the lower-income people shouldn't go "unnoticed" with the thrifting trends.

Finally, the writer writes that reselling is exploitive and that as a society we should do better. 

In some respects, I agree with the writer but I don't agree that reselling is unethical, here is why.  Thrift stores are like a treasure hunt, you never know what you will find. You know that old saying another man's junk is another man's treasure and it's true.  The writer writes about recycling and reusing to save the environment but at the same time bashes the resellers for saving these items in the same breath.  

Most thrift stores throw out about a 1/3 of goods and clothing that will not sell in their shop. An example: Goodwill will send items out to their outlet or Goodwill bins where they sell by the pound before as the last stop before going to landfills.   

Secondly, the writer used Goodwill as an example that in 2010 and in 2020 there was a difference in their donation valuation guide.  Goodwill will charge varying prices instead of a fixed price. It's true most thrift stores have varying prices on clothing and items but many of these thrift stores invest in their communities.  Goodwill industries use the funds from the thrift stores to create jobs, and offer job training for the poor and disabled. Another example is a thrift store in my local area called Divine Providence they use the funds for the local church and for programs to help young mothers. 

The writer doesn't include these facts in her analysis of resellers purchasing items at higher volumes. The money goes into the local community which helps the poor and the underserved. 

The idea of gentrification of thrift shops is not a bad thing. It allows everyone from every walk of life to purchase items for resale and the opportunity to get out of poverty. Reselling is part of the economy which was the idea behind eBay in the 1990s when it started.  The online giant is the place to purchase collectibles, luxury goods, antiques, and anything you can imagine that can be purchased.  Now there are many platforms that cater to everyone such as high-end, like the online shop the real real, and the lower-end online shop like tread up.

Reselling is not exploitive it is part of a U.S. Capitalistic model for the local economy which reinvests into the local community.  Reselling is not unethical.

Read my other articles on thrifting on this site by clicking on blog archive articles.

Article quotes are from the North Texan Daily writer Vanessa Delgado on August 5th, 2021.

Some problems with thrift store items

 

 Although I love to thrift,  I have to admit these are some cons when you go to thrift especially when looking for items to resell. One of the cons of thrift store items is that once you bought the item you can't return it. It is bought as is if you purchase the item and don't realize it has a chip on it. You are stuck with the item because it's not good for resale. Your only option is to donate it so you don't become a hoarder.

 

Another con, is buyer's remorse after you buy it, you start to question did you really need that item? What would I use it for? If you begin to question what you will need it for then consider reselling it, to get rid of it. 

Another con, thrift items are generally outdated when it comes to appliances or furniture it may be unsafe. A study, conducted by the US consumer product safety Commission found that 69% of thrift store items visited had at least one hazardous product for sale. The commission found cribs that didn't meet safety standards, hairdressers without protection against electrocution, and car seats that have been recalled.

 

Some cons when shopping for clothing might be that since they are 

unlaundered there may be bed bugs or lice in clothing when brought home. These are some of the cons to shopping Thrift but if you are Mindful and  check out these items on a Google search first. It will stop you from buying something unsafe. As for clothing, examine it closely before purchasing make sure to wash as soon as you purchase a new clothing item from thrift stores.  

Thrift stores may have some cons to the items sold but in long-term most items at thrift stores are good items that can be bought at a fraction of retail cost. It is still relatively safe to shop the thrift.

How to repurpose dated thrift store paintings?

 

Ever go to a thrift store and find an amazing art that you like off the bat. Then, you find some pieces that you feel need Improvement. You brainstorm how to improve on the art or in some cases, you just want the canvas. In these rare cases, where you purchase the art just to reuse the canvas, you can repaint over it and create new art.

 Another Trend that Millennials are doing is upcycling the art. They will take an old Seascape or landscape and paint animals on it. In some cases, they will paint dinosaurs on it and make it a unique piece of art. Personalized to their Taste and to their decor.

 Or they will take an old canvas and cover it with a fabric. For example a flag or Souvenir cloth from Italy. That's what I did to my vintage canvases.

 Another way to update old art is to take an old poster print and use large scrapbook lettering and glue it to the poster after creating a message on it. I created a poster message that read dream big.

 

In summary, you can create all types of art with vintage art. Or is that is personal to you and creative in messaging. Are that is unique and one-of-a-kind instead of a dated piece of art. Art is what you make of it. 

Writing about the thrift niche

 

When writing about a niche, the blogger or writer will give you very generic information. For example, write what you like to write about or pick a topic of great interest to you. The writers never give you specific subjects to write about.

 I write about thrift store finds and going to thrift stores in general. But, I have to admit that the subject is sometimes limiting. Other bloggers insist that the reader must have a problem that has to be resolved and that there is no other reason for reading blogs. I tend to think otherwise, I think that if you write fun engaging content that the readers will stay and read the blog post. You don't necessarily have to have an issue or problem you want solve to read a blog.

 

I decided to write about the thrift Niche not only to brainstorm my own topic, but to help others who want to write about the thrift topics. Here are some actual ideas to write about the thrift niche. Divide thrift store items into subcategories, for example: clothing, you can write the following:

 

1. how to purchase thrift store clothing.

 2. how to create one-of-a-kind outfits at the thrift.

 3. how to sustain and maintain thrift clothing.

 4. what are the do's and don'ts of thrift fashion

 5. should thrift clothing be sustainable for the future.

 

Here are just a few topics one could write about in the thrift Niche. For home decor items you could ask these questions in the thrift niche;

 1. what brand should one look for in Thrift for home decor?

 2. what are popular items to buy in Thrift for home decor?

 3. should you buy used pots and pans from the thrift?

 4. what are some creative uses for home decor Thrift items?

 5. how would thrifted home decor items fit in design in one's house?

 

These are just some ideas on two categories in the thrift. You could write about toys, collectibles, books, art, unusual things to Thrift, linen and many other thrift store items in the thrift niche.

 

If you love to thrift, you will find a lot of topics to write about in the thrift niche. There are so many topics and solutions to write about in the thrift niche that you will have endless content for your blog.

What are the rules of thrift store shopping etiquette

 

This is a good question, what is thrift store etiquette? Thrift store etiquette is the rules that make interaction with others less inoffensive and comfortable at a thrift store. Thrift store etiquette involves learning proper behavior socially and professionally, in casual or formal circumstances, here and abroad in the thrift stores.

 Some rules of thrift etiquette is to; 

1.  Be aware of Shoppers around you as you move down the aisles. If you have a cart be mindful not to block aisles. keep cart close to the side of the aisle, you are viewing. It’s good etiquette to be mindful of people around you so you can avoid bumping into anyone.

 2. When looking through thrift items, leave them in the spot you found them, don't unfold clothing and leave it like that. Refold clothing. Leave the items where you found it instead of moving items around.  The employees have grouped certain items together like glassware for example.  

 3.  Don't pull price tags off the items and change prices on items. Looks Shady when you do that.It makes it harder for people that are actually buying piece to know the price and the thrift would have to reprice items.

 4.  Don't buy unpriced donations there are still on cart wait until the items are placed on shelves. This is bad etiquette when you purchase items off the cart that the employees are about to price the items on, unless you ask the employee first.  If it's okay to take off the cart before pricing item.  

5.   Don't try to haggle over price, the prices are set at the thrift, it's not a bazaar or swap meet. At checkout, there is always someone trying to haggle over the price at the thrift.  These prices have been set by the thrift and usually the employees don’t have the authority to unilaterally change the prices.  So be mindful of others waiting on line when you try to haggle over thrift store items.

 6.  Watch your children, if you bring kids into the thrift. Children could innocently damage items at thrift if playing around. 

7.  Only take what you use currently and leave the rest for others.If you see a lot of ites up for sale that you like but there are many of the same goods.  Then leave it for someone else to get, if you have gotten a lot of the items already. 

8.  Don't take too much time in dressing rooms, allow time for others to use dressing rooms to. If the fitting rooms are crowded then good decorum would be to try your item and get out of the fitting room as soon as possible so that others could use it. 

 9. If shopping at Goodwill bins or Outlets doesn't run to grab items. Don't act like a Walmart shopper during a Christmas rush. It’s important to be civilized and not run to grab items out of bins.  It makes the experience more pleasant for everyone.

10.  Don't touch items from another person's cart. This is common sense, if you see something you like in someone’s cart then its too late to get it because its in someone else’s cart.

 11. Do not donate items after hours, try to donate them when staff is available to put away items. It’s bad form to leave items after donation hours because if the donation area is open air, you will leave the donated items out to the elements until the following day when the staff can process the donations.

 12. Do not ask staff to check if items you're looking for is in the back. They must wait to price items before putting on the floor. Even, if they had the item in the back they normally wait for until they have priced the item to bring it out to the shelves.  

 13. Don't take don't talk too loudly or be disruptive. Thrift stores are normally quiet and pensive places. There is usually music being played at thrift stores but if you go to a thrift that is relatively quiet then you should not speak too loudly or be disruptive.

 14. Scan the thrift before actually shopping to get used to the lay of the land. It is good to scan the shop first then look around the store twice to make sure you have not left anything behind.

 15. Don't be upset if you don't find anything at the thrift store.  Sometimes, you may not find anything at the thrift because you may not find anything that attracts you that day.  But, the key is to keep returning to the thrift to find your special item.

 in summary, if you do these fifteen things. Your life in thrift stores will be much easier. Thrift store etiquette is important to make everyone's experience at the thrift enjoyable..

Top tools of the trade to go thrift shopping

 Going to the thrift store may be a fun adventure, especially if you are looking for something specific. If you are looking for that one item to to decorate or for reselling purposes, then you should bring along the these items when shopping.

 1. bring a tape measure to measure any furniture and appliances you may be looking for specific space in the house. a tape measure can help you measure the item before purchase because some furniture may be too big for the space. You want to buy items to scale to fit the home properly.

 2. bring a phone to research the items on Ebay if you are purchasing for resale. Use your phone to look up eBay comps before purchasing that item to make sure it's worth your time and energy to list and sell.

 3.  bring a camera to take pictures of the items if you are indecisive of your purchase. Take photos of the items you are interested in, if indecisive on getting the item. Get opinions on the item from others, just remember that in the thrift store items sell fast.

 4. bring a black light to identify pieces that glow in the dark, an example Vaseline Glass. Identifying vaseline glass is difficult that is why the backlight is needed.

 5. bring a loupe or magnifying glass to examine items carefully. You 

may need to see a signature on art or jewelry. You will need a Jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass to see more clearly.

 6. bring a flashlight to see things more closely. a flashlight is good for items that are hidden in the back that you can't see. you can take your time to examine with a flashlight..

 In summary, you should use these tools when going shopping. It will make the shopping experience more precise with less mistakes are likely. Especially, in selections of furniture pieces, if you find pieces that fit in scalability. If you use these tools to purchase items at the thrift store you can't go wrong. 

How to save more money shopping at thrift stores.

 

Thrift shopping is the best way to save money shopping. There are even more ways to save at the thrift store despite all the regular savings. Thrift stores often have sales to get rid of excess inventory. 

They will list it on a sign or whiteboard, and list which items are on sale. An example they may list 50% off the books, dishes, or whichever category they decide to place on special. These sales are announced daily on whiteboards and signs. This is a great way to save on Thrift items at the store. 

Besides announced sales, Some stores offer discounts by offering a Rewards program. 

An example would be at the sheriff's Ranch after a certain number of purchases of $10 or more. They will give you a $5 discount. You have to tell them your phone number and they will find you in their system if you have shopped there before.. 

Some thrift shops will offer percentage discounts off the item, for example, they may offer 60% off lamps or Furniture. Helping hands has an amazing deal sometimes. About two weeks ago they have 60% off items in their shop except for items marked one dollar and under. 

In summary, many thrift stores may or may not offer these specials. Depending upon the thrift store. I know that the thrift store I visit often offer one of these three discounts within their store. Making thrift shopping a more affordable and cheaper way to purchase items. Thrift stores are the best way to save doing these inflationary times.

DIY tables done Shabby Chic

I found these two great end tables at a thrift shop solid wood but the finish needed some TLC.  At first, I thought they were by a furniture maker named Hadley from Massachusetts.  But I was wrong, they did not have a brand marked on them but they were sold heavily well-built tables. The tables had a glossy shine to them and had water ring marks on them so I knew I had to redo the tables.  At first, I admired the solid wood look but they didn't go with my country white french coffee table.  The tables were painted white and now they look great and match my coffee table. Now, my room has a french country feel with white tables. The white tables are a stark contrast to the blue walls and furniture in my living room.  

I sanded the tables with a liquid sander called klean-strip.  I used that first then afterward I used sandpaper to get the remaining gloss off.  

Then I used kilz primer on the tables waited for them to dry before adding a coat of white paint.  I used bright white paint from Benjamin Moore.  

See the following photos:

How to decorate your bathroom with thrift finds

 The first thing you should do when shopping for items to decorate your bathroom is to scan the bathroom and make a list of items to purchase.

 Some great items to decorate a bathroom include: 

 1    bathroom signs

 2    small succulent plants

 3    dish soap holders

 4    baskets

 5    small mirrors

 6    vanity trays

 7    shelves

 8    toothbrush holders

 9    towel holders

 10  small jars

 1. bathroom signs are a quirky way to decorate a bathroom or even bathroom art can be found at the thrift store, for a few cents.

 

2. small succulent plants will look nice on a bathroom shelf and bring life into a small space.

 3 dish soap holders can be fun and great to create and to add to a bathroom decor because they come in so many shapes and Designs. An example I found a dish soap holder design shaped like a small vintage bathtub.

 4. baskets are great items to add to the bathroom because they are great to store washcloths, toilet paper, and other toiletries.

5. small mirrors make the space look bigger in a small bath. Especially if you add it to the side of a bigger mirror. Allows the person to see all angles on oneself for grooming.

 6 vanity trays are a great way to add items that may look awkward or alone on the Vanity. Vanity trays bring organization to the bathroom vanity.

 7 shelves are easy to install and add more storage to a small bath space. You can add baskets and plants on shelves.

8 toothbrush holders are a great find at the thrift whether you find wall-mounted or free-standing toothbrush holders. You will find Unique Designs at the thrift.

 9. Towel holders are great to find at the thrift store whether they are wall-mounted or some free-standing to place on the vanity. They are great finds to add to a bathroom.

10. small jars are great to store Q-tips, cotton balls on any other bathroom items. Depending upon their size you can store a lot of the items on the vanity.

 If your bathroom is dated you might consider upgrading the tiles by painting the walls in the bathroom it will complement the tile instead of making it look dated. And a few of these items to a small bathroom and you will add instant decor to any bathroom. You will update an old bath and bring it to life by adding a few of your thrift finds. There are some ideas I have photographed from my own bath.

 In summary, if you want to update or upgrade a bathroom with a small budget the thrift finds is the best option. Look for items that are listed in the above article to upgrade your items in your bathroom. 

How to display your thrift store finds around the home

 

Often, when we pick up something we like from the thrift store.

We will evaluate what use we wanted it for. Sometimes, we want

something displayed or add to a collection. How do you display your

items if you don't have a curio or hutch?

 

If you have a collection, group them altogether if you have a wall unit or display shelf. You can find the Shelf at a thrift store. It's cheaper than

getting a cabinet or a china hutch. An example if you have a collection of Snowbabies, is to try to place them on a secure wall shelf. Or if you

already have a china cabinet. Place item under glass in the cabinet.

 

If you have vintage folk-art tole wood boxes you can place them on

the coffee table they are great for remote storage. The folk art piece brings a

French country feels to your home decor, especially if the boxes are distressed. Place it on a coffee table with an old basket to hold magazines, with a candle Snuffer to Snuff off candles when in use. You will have a nice vignette on the coffee table to display these vintage items.

 If you have end tables please quirky sculptures you might have found at the thrift. A lot of the sculptures are of thin metal and are of a unique design. Place your find on the end table it will make a bare table come to life with a unique piece of art. If you have unique one-of-a-kind art, then hang them on the wall. Depending upon the style and the subject matter vintage art can be a one-of-a-kind unique expression of one’s taste.

My home is an expression of me. I have art on every piece of wall in this

home. It is unique and different even in the display.

 The book should be displayed in bookcases, they look orderly when

placed on shelves. Some people place uniform book covers so they are all the same color,

 

Costume jewelry should be placed in jewelry boxes if you want to display them. It should be placed in hanging jewelry-clear bags. So you can pull it out too easy to find or to show people.

 Hats should be placed on a hook inside the closet or over the door.

 Collections of any type should be displayed and seen, not hiding away.

I have an example of my seashell box collection I pick them up at the thrift often.

 In summary, if you have a collection and you want to display it there are many locations within the home it can be displayed. They may be unique spots to place them but it will work out great depending on the display. Don't be afraid to display your favorite places in odd locations

around the home. If you don't have a lot of shelves or any display cabinets.

Be original in your display and experiment in your own home to

find the right combination of items for display.