5 Things to Look for at Goodwill First
If you’ve never been thrift shopping before, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the massive selection of gently-used goods. From clothing to housewares to furniture and everything in between, you never know what you might find while ” treasure hunting” at a thrift store like Goodwill. If you’re not sure where to start on your thrift shopping journey, we have some ideas for you.
Keep your eyes peeled for these key items when thrift shopping at Goodwill:
Red Armoire
Kitchen chair from Goodwill
Wooden furniture
Buying brand new furniture can get expensive, so don’t miss your chance to snag a good deal on quality, wooden furniture pieces! You can often find kitchen and dining tables, nightstands, dressers, china cabinets, chairs, and more at Goodwill. Plus, it’s easy to ” upcycle” used wooden furniture””all you usually need is some sandpaper and a coat of paint. You can even install new drawer handles to make old furniture more modern!
Brand name apparel
If you have patience, you can often find brand name (and even designer) clothing and accessories at Goodwill! Be sure to check the labels as your sifting through racks of clothing””you might even find a great deal in ” new-with-tags” condition!
Blue Trenchcoat
Cross-body purse from Ohio Valley Goodwill
Silverware and vintage dishes
Flatware, dishes, and glassware can be some of the most valuable items you find at a thrift store like Goodwill! Be on the lookout for real silver””it will usually appear tarnished and make a ringing sound when you tap it. You can clean up any tarnished silver by using water and baking soda. Another rare thrift store find is jadeite, which is a mint-colored type of dishware that dates back to the 1930s. For quality bakeware and mixing bowls, look for vintage Pyrex, which will stand out on the shelf with its bright and colorful patterns. Pyrex was popular from the 1950s to the 1980s and remains highly collectible today.
Decorations from Goodwill
Seasonal décor
At any time of year, you can find great holiday and seasonal decorations for your home at Goodwill. If you have theme parties or holiday events throughout the year, keep them in mind as you shop. You can usually score great deals, even during the ” off-season!”
Picture frames from Ohio Valley Goodwill
Frames and mirrors
Two versatile items you can find at a thrift store on any given day are picture frames and mirrors. Of course, you can use them for their intended purposes, but you can also use some DIY magic to turn frames or mirrors into completely new””and useful””crafts! For example, a frame can hold photos, but it could also be used to display jewelry or artwork. A mirror can be repainted and turned into a dry-erase board or chalkboard. That’s the beauty of upcycling!
With hundreds of gently-used (and sometimes new!) items introduced onto the sales floor every day, Goodwill has a unique selection of clothing, accessories, and household goods that you just can’t find at traditional retailers. We have 18 retail store locations in and around Greater Cincinnati, plus you can shop Ohio Valley Goodwill online 24/7 at shopgoodwill.com.
Thrift shopping at Goodwill is even more rewarding when you remember that every purchase you make supports job training and employment services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. That’s because Ohio Valley Goodwill isn’t just a Cincinnati thrift store; we’re a non-profit organization with the mission to change lives through the power of work. For 100+ years, we’ve been serving job-seekers in the community, and we can only do it with your continued support!
Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill store, and be sure to visit our store promotions page for special discounts and offers. Thank you for choosing Ohio Valley Goodwill!
