How Thrifty Are The Thrift Stores?

I recently wrote about secondhand clothes becoming the height of fashion sense.

But unless I am looking for particular retro items, or hoping for a discount on high end couture, I find that thrift store clothing isn't necessarily a bargain.

I made this discovery some years ago when searching for Tommy Hilfiger jeans for my son, as I found that this was the brand that fit him best.

Since new Tommy Hilfiger jeans cost about $55, I began purchasing them from the thrift store. I could easily get a pair for $10-$12. This meant that I could dress my son for an entire season for only $100 including shirts and if I was lucky, shoes.

One day, however, I stumbled into a Ross store. Ross stores are discount brand name stores. They purchase clothes that generally do not sell the season before and sell them at discount prices.

I was astounded to find that the very same jeans I was purchasing at the thrift store was also at Ross. They were even available for the same price or less... and they were brand new! I had hit the jackpot.

While I still go to the thrift store on occasion when my kids are looking for a retro item for a play -- and to purchase books and secondhand furniture -- we now buy clothing at discount stores such as Ross, Marshalls, and Burlington Coat Factory.

I realize that the thrift stores give a portion of their proceeds to charities, but I feel like if the thrift stores really want my business, they would check the competition and sell clothing items for less than retail stores sell them.

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