Bargain buys make cents in thrift stores
by Long Yangyingxong, reporter

    Students shopping for a new wardrobe, but strapped for cash, can find affordable clothes at thrift stores like Goodwill, Thrift Town, The Mission Store and Berry Good Buys.

   One SE Campus student regularly visits her favorite thrift store in Arlington.

   “It’s exciting. In one trip I found this great Neiman-Marcus coat, a vintage cotton and lace slip and a dress. I spent only $20,” she said.

   The Mission Store offers a 30 percent discount on Tuesday and 10 percent off the rest of the week for senior citizens.

   “People can save money by shopping at thrift stores,” Bruce Ann Gordy, store manager of The Mission Store, said.

   Thrift Town has weekly 50 percent specials off specially marked items and seasonal sales.

   Some TCC students said they buy the majority of their school clothes at thrift shops because they can find bluejeans, T-shirts and jackets at reasonable prices. Some shop thrift stores searching for outfits for special occasions.

   “I needed a suit to wear to a wedding, but I seldom wear suits, so I went to a thrift store. I found the perfect suit. It cost me $15,” a NE Campus bargain shopper said.

   With the right eye, people can find a professional outfit for work and not have to pay full price, Gordy said.

   Thrift stores offer unique and vintage clothes not usually available at other retail stores, she said.

   “Over 4,000 items are put on the store floor each day,” James Reid, store manager of North Richland Hills Thrift Town, said.

   Students searching for a different look can find one-of-a-kind items at thrift stores.

   Shopping at these stores also helps support charitable causes.

   Proceeds from The Mission Store, along with donations, help fund the Union Gospel Mission, an organization geared toward helping people.

   Thrift Town aids the Association for Retarded Citizens by donating 60 percent of its profits and by buying used materials collected by ARC to be sold in its stores, Reid said.

   Goodwill provides job training and other career services to help people improve their lives.

   People looking to unload their old clothes and possessions can donate these items to thrift stores instead of throwing them away, Reid said.

   “Donated items should be in usable condition,” he said.

   Donations can be either dropped off or picked up by the store.

   For the nearest Thrift Town, visit www.thrifttown.com. Goodwill locations can be found at www.goodwill.com. The Mission Store is located on 3141 Denton Highway in Haltom City and is open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–9 p.m.