I have shopped at thrift stores for many years. There used to be Goodwill, Salvation Army and St Vincent DePaul. Now a lot of churchs and independents out there too. I usually go to Goodwill. Here in my area in Florida the Goodwills are really clean and professional.
Mostly a trip to the thrift store is a hunt and peck. I generally go in with an idea of what I'm looking for. If I can find it fine. Also you never know what you might run into. In this economy many people must be employed in the food industy. Which usually requires black pants. Can't find them. But shorts and golf shirts galore. Like new and brand names. Score. Kitchen stuff. pots, pans, bowls, gadgets, tools and dishes etc. Some of this stuff is also available at the doller stores.
Sporting goods and bicycles can be found there too. I have found some decent golf clubs at Goodwill. As I do not need the latest and greatest. Years ago there used to be some nice bicycles. Now it's pretty much just department store junks. But you don't know if you don't look. Eight years ago you could go on Ebay and buy a nice older bike. name brands like Schwinn, Raleigh, Puegot, Fuji etc for $30 to $50. Plus shipping. Shipping of a bike runs about $75 and up. So with an uptick in interest in old bikes I feel that people are taking the time and trouble of selling them on Ebay and Craigslist. The older Schwinns are bringing $200 plus now. The Varsity, Continental, Collegegiate, Subaurban, Breeze and later models like LeTour, World, Sport are in demand. Someone would give you one of these bikes before. No more.
I have also found a lot of old music. Vinyl, cassettes and CDs. In varying condition. You have to open them up and check. Also in the media theme, books.
When you by at a thirft store you can find things you need at a good price. That's frugal. You are also (even if temporarily) saving something from a landfill. That's green. Also bear in mind they usually hire people with disabilities and other issues. Helping them with their lives. So all and all it's a good thing. Also gives you something to do when you are looking for something to do. You just never know if you will find that diamond in the rough.
