JACKSONVILLE, Fla – In honor of National Thrift Shop Day, I decided to put thrifting to the test with a simple challenge: How much could I find without spending a lot of money?
The answer: quite a bit.
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During a shopping trip to Goodwill Industries of North Florida, I found seven items for just $54, including a mix of clothing and housewares.
The haul was a reminder of one of the biggest draws of thrift shopping you never quite know what you’re going to find, and finding a bargain can be part of the fun.
But Goodwill says there’s another story behind those secondhand purchases.
Shopping with a local impact
Revenue from donated goods helps Goodwill Industries of North Florida provide job training, career services and employment assistance to people in our community who may face barriers to finding meaningful work.
That means the $54 I spent didn’t just buy seven items. Purchases like mine help fund programs designed to help North Florida residents build skills and find jobs.
“National Thrift Shop Day is a moment to celebrate the excitement of thrifting and the impact it makes possible,” said David Rey, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Florida. “When people shop at or donate to Goodwill, they are supporting neighbors in our community while helping keep usable goods in circulation.”
Across the United States and Canada, the Goodwill network provided services to nearly 1.9 million people last year, according to the organization.
Thrifting is also about sustainability
There’s an environmental benefit to buying secondhand, too.
Instead of clothing, furniture and household items being discarded, donating and reselling them gives those products another life.
Goodwill says it helped keep 4.6 billion pounds of goods in circulation last year, including textiles and other donated items.
And thrifting has increasingly become about more than simply saving money. Shoppers looking for vintage clothing, unique home décor, designer finds or pieces that aren’t available at traditional retailers have helped make secondhand shopping part of mainstream fashion and culture.
Want to become a better thrift shopper?
Goodwill says shoppers can find everything from work attire and casual clothing to home décor, formal wear and unexpected treasures.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Go often. Inventory changes constantly, so two trips to the same store can look completely different.
- Look beyond your usual size or section. Secondhand clothing can be organized differently depending on the brand and how an item fits.
- Check the housewares. My seven-item challenge wasn’t just about clothes. Home décor, kitchen items and other household goods can offer some of the best bargains.
- Take your time. Unlike traditional retail, you may have only one chance to find a particular item.
- Don’t forget to donate. Cleaning out your closet or home can help put more usable goods back into circulation while supporting Goodwill’s local programs.
My final tally? Seven items clothing and housewares for $54.
Not bad for a morning of shopping. And knowing those bargains can also support job training and employment services in North Florida makes the price tag look even better.