Looking for some unique finds?
Thrifting is a sport of shopping for secondhand items like clothing, shoes, household appliances, and accessories. It can be a hit or miss for some.
Let’s Get Into It
Have a thrift niche
What are you sourcing? Ask yourself if you’re seeking clothing, accessories, household items, knick-knacks, or just unique items.
I typically thrift for vintage, classic, one-of-a-kind pieces!
Be mindful and not excessive
While thrifting can be a better shopping option, always be mindful that someone has no other option but to buy second-hand because regular shopping may be too expensive for them.
The thrift is currently “trendy,” and we all know when something is trendy, a lot of people hop on the trend, and it can get destroyed or ruin the prior experience.
I am not saying, don’t be sustainable, but be mindful of how you thrift. In a sense, maybe don’t thrift every month, every other month or every other three months because you don’t want to be excessive and overconsume.
Know how to thrift
If you’re shopping for clothing, try to shop for high-quality brands, quality fabrics like 100 % wool, cashmere and genuine leather.
Shop for clothing that can be upcycled, turned into something better.
Try to shop for physical media like CDs, magazines, and DVDs to build that library of media that isn’t digital-based.
Find vintage items, give them new life, and make them decor.
Be mindful of what you buy and know that the life span is already short, but ask yourself, “How can I repurpose this item?”
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The difference in the second-hand shopping experience
Some secondhand shops are antique stores that sell more vintage finds and have a higher price point.
Vintage Vibes is an antique shop with classic VHS tapes like Clueless, old school cameras and belts.
Thrift stores and resale shops can be charity-based and help another cause. Encore Upscale Resale proceeds fund a local school.
Consignment stores like Plato’s Closet and Uptown Cheapskate sell more name-brand clothing, and customers can bring in items for cash or store credit.
The location is key
I’ve thrifted in many parts of Michigan, and I know that location plays a big part in what I find.
Closer to Detroit, I see more urban finds like Black media and clothing brands.
Further away from my city, I find more designer, high-end brands, craft supplies and household gems.
It truly can be a hit or miss.
Demographics matter as well because Macomb County may have more urban finds. After all, it’s closer to Detroit, versus Oakland County, which is a more suburban, highly affluent areas that offer designer products at higher price points.
My favorite shops in Michigan
Value World Thrift is my go-to, she’s classic thrift to me with pretty great prices.
Salvation Army is cool, but she’s more of a unique find type of thrift for me.
Motown Thrift can be a hit or miss for me; she’s classic thrift, but lately she’s been kinda dry in the clothing department.
Have fun at the thrift
Don’t take it too seriously, and remember that it should be a fun experience!
You can plan out what you want to source, but let the thrift surprise you!
Plan a day trip where you visit multiple and spend only an hour or two in three locations. Maybe have a spending limit.
Make it fun, bring friends if you want company. I typically enjoy thrifting alone because I like to go through every section, but it’s your preference.
Just remember to find good locations and retry them. One day, they may have had some crappy items, but the next week may be better.
Don’t give up.
You never know, you may find a leather Ferragamo jacket.
Let’s Talk About It
Where do you thrift?