Brand Clothing Bargains!

There is a secret out there a lot of shoppers do not want you to know about.  Thrift stores don't contain just junk, but brand name clothing.  In my shopping at thrift stores,  I often see Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Old Navy, Duckhead, Sag Harbor, Liz Clairborne and more are just sitting on the racks.  The items are just waiting to be picked up for pennies on the dollar of the original cost.  Some even have the tags attached!    Some recent deals I have made was an Old Navy  baby dress with tag attached ($18) for only $1,  A Tommy Hilfiger Toddler shirt, 3T, nearly new for $0.50 and a Sag Harbor blouse (probably retails $25-$45) for $2.00.

The number one rule about thrift store shopping is patience.  You may not get something every time from a smaller store, but if you start going regularly, it is certain you will find a bargain.  Larger thrift stores, you can usually get a great deal every single time.

Some Tips on Getting Super Bargains on Brand Name Clothing

Know What You Want

Keep a list of everyone's sizes that you shop for with you.  That way you can shop for your significant other, children, parents etc.  without wondering what size they are or if it would fit.  Also keep in mind their styles and colors, its not a bargain if the person you bought it for will never wear it!

Know Your Thrift Store's Schedule

Not just the hours they are open, but what days they have items on sale.  Some go by the color of the tag, some have half price days once or twice a week, some run specials each day for specific items.   Ask the person working the front counter what kind of schedule they have for these special sales.  By buying items on those sale days you can usually get change from a $5 for just about any item of clothing in the store.  No discount clothing chain can beat that!

Shop Early, Shop Often

Once you learn those special days, shop there early and often.  If they have specials every day, go whenever you can, but if they have a super sale day, make a point to try to make it there early!  One local charity thrift store has a 50% off all clothing sale every Thursday.  If I get there before 1  - 2 p.m., I can find some amazing items.  After that time, I still find some good deals, but not usually as many.

Prioritize Your Shopping

Browse the areas of most interest to you first, and then go to secondary interest areas.  A shopper does not want to miss out on a good deal on a pair of shoes because someone took the perfect pair when they were browsing the t-shirt rack.  Since I have two young toddlers who are always needing new clothes, my first stop is always in the Infants and Toddlers section before moving on to find clothing for me or my husband.

Be Nice to the Shop Workers

Always be pleasant and nice to the shop workers.  Especially if there is one or two there all the time.  If you make friends with them, they are much more likely to point out special items you may like or tip you off to super sales.

Have Fun with your Shopping

Make it fun.  Go to stores with a shopping buddy!  Look at all the wacky clothing on the racks and have a good laugh!  Challenge yourself to find the ugliest dress in the rack!  Look for Christmas/Birthday/Holiday Gifts in the hard goods section.  Just have fun!

Happy Shopping!