You’ve always wondered how celebrities find all of those vintage (insert favorite band) t-shirts and although you hate to admit it, do wish you could look half as cool in that funky outfit as the girl sitting next to you in Chemistry. Finding your one of a kind look is not as difficult as most people think. Shopping alternatives is easier on your wallet and friendlier to the environment than the ever popular mall trip. Taking a break from a normal shopping routine can be daunting, but with some background knowledge you’ll be a pro at scouring the bargain racks.

Economic hard times are a major force in turning snubbed thrift and consignment stores into new shopping grounds for many customers. In a recent press release Adele R. Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops (NARTS) explained the reason behind the recent surge of resale.

“Some people shop because it makes them feel better, others shop out of need... professionals still have to look good, children outgrow their clothes, teens need prom dresses and newlyweds have new homes to furnish. Recessions present the opportunity for resale shops to attract new customers.”

Thrift and consignment stores both offer gently used clothing and can help guarantee everyone on campus will not be your dressing double.  Unconventional shopping methods are similar in that they offer used products at discounted prices, but vary in the way they obtain their merchandise.

 

Thrift stores function on a charity driven basis, giving your wallet a break while helping those in need. Goodwill and St. Vincent De Paul both manage two stores in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The donations thrift stores operate on are tax-exempt, making people from all walks of life interested in donation. Goodwill provides funding for disadvantaged people in areas of training, education, and career services, while St. Vincent De Paul stores' mission is to help those in need on a person-to-person basis.

Betty, a long time employee of St. Vincent De Paul is well aware of her impact on community.

“My favorite part (of working here) is that what we sell goes to help somebody else.”

Consignment stores run on a different basis, selling the goods of others and splitting the profits between the store and the seller. Although they function different than thrift stores, consignment stores are an equally good way to find good deals and brand names. Consignment store owners often look for high quality merchandise in good condition.

“We are very lucky, we asked and what people brought in was up scale,” said Candy Wood, owner of Main Street Exchange in downtown Cedar Falls. 

Although the garments available may not be the most recent trend, consignment stores are still a great place to find quality basics on a low budget. Wood has had full work days since her store opening just two months ago.

“People are aware of not being a consumable society, and following the philosophy of life to reuse and recycle.”

Wood believes that even if the economy does recover people are committed to this new philosophy, which will keep them shopping resale. 

 

To challenge the validity of resale shopping junkies, two new resale shoppers and one experienced resale fan hit the racks throughout the Cedar Valley. They were pleasantly surprised with their new finds. 
 

 

 

 

 

 New to resale shopping, Madi Ramaekers a sophmore at UNI, was excited by the low prices and great looks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In search of clothing for her level two teaching experience Erin Elsasser, a sophmore at UNI, was excited to find a large array of work wear that was easily affordable on a college student's budget.

 

"I was surprised about all of the clothes I found to wear teaching, I want to start going to resale shops more often. They have great clothes for cheap,"  

 

Elsasser chose a two piece knit outfit for $12.00 and assembled a necklace out of a red glass bead necklace for $3.99 and an old pocket watch for $6.00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April Czarnetzki, a fellow sophmore and experienced resale shopper, jumped at the opportunity to lead Ramaekers and Elsasser in their new shopping experience.

 

"I love how there is such a variety of unique clothing, right here in my hometown."

 

While helping the new shoppers Czarnetzki was able to find an outfit of her own, a red sleeveless dress for $10.00, and a gold chain belt for $3.00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convinced to take the plunge into resale shopping? To be successful when entering this shopping excursion there are many things you need to consider. The following tips should get you in the door feeling well prepared, and although the experience may still be overwhelming, you will have some extra knowledge under your belt, enough to buy yourself a new one.

•    Thrift and consignment stores are often laid out differently from typical retail stores. Clothes are organized first by style, then by size or color. The multiple layouts of thrift stores can be baffling at first but be prepared to dig and you can find your new favorite outfit in no time.

Elsasser took quickly to the store arrangements.

“When I first started shopping, I was confused by the layout, but once I got the hang of it most thrift stores were similar.”

•    Double check your items before buying them. You will be buying used garments, which means they could have some worn areas. Be sure to check all closures and hems for wear and tear. Also check under the arms for staining, and all over for any small holes or damage.
 
•    “Be open-minded,” said Candy Wood when asked her tip to new consignment shoppers. Although the merchandise may not be new to the retail world, it can still be a new and great addition to your wardrobe. Keep in mind that used does not mean old or out of date. Some of the oldest finds in thrift and consignment are the best, vintage!

•    Take your time. In order to find a special item you may have to dig, search, and rummage through several racks. If you are looking for a certain item, thrift and consignment shopping may be time consuming, but worth the search. Resale stores are made for leisurely shopping, if you are in a hurry be sure to ask a sales associate, they are more than willing to help.

Czarnetzki is always willing to hunt for her special finds.

“I look at every item on the rack because the good things are always hidden. It’s always fun to go shopping at a thrift store in a different town because then you can get novelty t-shirts from that town, it’s not as hard to find something original.”

•    Know your measurements and don’t be shy. Some thrift and consignment stores do not offer dressing rooms, so it is a good idea to wear a tight tee or leggings to try garments on over. It is also helpful to bring along a measuring tape if you would like to avoid putting on a fashion show for the whole store.  Be extra attentive to vintage clothing measurements, as the sizes do not relate to current sizing methods.

•    Chat up the sales associates. Thrift and consignment store employees are more than willing to point you in the right direction and even tell you the day the new merchandise gets put out or prices get lowered. Most thrift stores use color coded price tags and each day a new colored tag is on sale. Consignment stores often lower prices the longer the items have been on the sales floor. Store employees are there to help, so ask them the sales of the day.

Wood explained her willingness to help. “I love visiting with customers and hearing their stories. I also like helping people find the thing they need at an affordable price.”

•    Don’t forget the accessories. Some of the best finds in resale are the big beaded necklaces and 80's oversized belts. If you are looking at jewelry, realize most will clean up well with a little warm soapy water or metal polish. Most women’s and men’s belts are mixed in thrift and consignment stores, so although it takes a little extra determination there are plenty to be found. Be creative and make your own accessories. Two ties can be sewn together for a cute belt around a dress, and a few jump rings can connect to make a multiple chain necklace. Don’t try to find a specific accessory, there is often a jumble of mysterious pieces, but if you look a little harder you can find your new staple piece.

•    NARTS advises a carefree attitude when resale shopping. “Don’t worry about the original owner seeing you in clothes you bought at a resale shop. No manufacturer ever made just one of anything! When you see something that calls out to you - BUY IT! Chances are it won’t be there the next time you visit.”

Through the advice of others, the draw of bargains, and need to spice up your wardrobe, resale shopping is an easy choice. No matter the reason you begin your adventure there is little chance of turning back. Chris Cowman, NARTS President explained the appeal of shopping resale in an April press release.

“The slumping economy may draw people in, but once they visit a resale shop for the first time they are pleasantly surprised with the high quality of merchandise and are forever hooked on a new way of smart spending,"