First Time Thrifting? 4 Thrift Shopping Tips You Need to Know

Savvy shoppers know that thrift shopping (i.e., thrifting) is the best way to stock up on stylish clothing for a fraction of retail store prices. Whether you’re a self-professed bargain hunter or a fashionista on a budget, thrifting is the way to go! With new inventory coming in every day, your local Ohio Valley Goodwill is the best place in town to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

But thrift shopping isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s also good for the planet! When you buy gently-used clothing items instead of brand new ones, you give them a new life and purpose. This helps to prevent unnecessary waste and protect the environment.

For the Earth: Your Donations Make a Difference

With so many great reasons to buy secondhand, there’s no better time than the present to visit your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store and start thrifting! If you’re new to the thrift store experience, here are some tips you should know:

Plan ahead and check for savings

Of course, you can always go on a spontaneous shopping trip, but to get the most from your experience, it’s a good idea to plan ahead! For example, at Ohio Valley Goodwill, we feature a special coupon for our store of the month, and have monthly sales calendars with different savings opportunities on each day of the week. There’s almost always a great deal happening at Ohio Valley Goodwill, on top of our affordable prices. This makes every day a good day to go thrifting!  

Be patient

Part of the fun of thrifting is that you’ll never know what to expect. At Ohio Valley Goodwill, our inventory is constantly updated, meaning that you can come back the very next day to shop from a completely new selection of items! When thrifting, take your time and look carefully. You might think that the best strategy is to go directly to your size, but sizing can vary significantly since thrift stores like Goodwill carry so many different brands. Remember, patience is a virtue; give yourself plenty of time to search and explore.

Clothing rack at Goodwill

Keep an open mind

The best way to thrift shop is to be open to new styles and trends. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try a style you’ve never worn before. For example, browse the men’s section for oversized sweaters and flannel shirts, vintage t-shirts, hoodies, bombers, and jean jackets. It might not be intuitive, but you can find hidden gems if you’re open to browsing all the sections!

Casual summer clothes from Goodwill

Don’t forget about accessories

Aside from clothing, thrift stores like Ohio Valley Goodwill also feature a vast array of accessories to complete any outfit. Be sure to shop around for jewelry, watches, handbags and totes, scarves, hats, and much more!

Thrifting is much like a scavenger hunt, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for the first time around. Keep coming back and searching, because you never know what might find! With time, you’ll curate a wardrobe that is truly one-of-a-kind and full of well-loved pieces.

Bring Good Home

Best of all, thrifting at Goodwill is retail therapy you can feel great about because your purchases will help someone in your community go to work! Our retail stores exist to help fund life-changing job skills programs and employment services for individuals with disabilities and veterans right here in the Greater Cincinnati community.

Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store or boutique location and start your thrifting adventure today! And be sure to share your Goodwill finds by tagging us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram ““ we’d love to see!