Good thrift stores?

Salvation Army clothing racksAmanda asks via Twitter:

It's getting cooler & all my warm shirts have holes. What are some good area thrift stores?

After seeing Amanda's question, we went digging through the archive for stuff about thrift stores and it's been surprisingly long since we've done something. It looks like we're overdue.

So, got a suggestion for Amanda (and us)? Please share! Bonus points for a line or two about why you like that store.

Comments

Unless you are looking for bad 80s clothes or something vintage, try Clothes Mentor on Central Ave down from Hannaford. Used (or sometimes new--still with tags) seasonally appropriate clothing and timely styles (within season or two); labels from Banana Republic, Limited and Ann Taylor are prevalent, but you will find stuff from Target too. It's all organized by color, size and item (ie short sleeves in one area, sweaters in another). It takes some time to browse but worth it (also worth selling clothes to them, if you have on trend items and don't expect a ton of money. Anything they don't take they donate to the City Mission). If you are a younger/smaller kinda person, try Plato's Closet next door--more Forever 21/Abercrombie type clothes.

I come from a long line of thrift shoppers and my question is; why go to the mall, when you can time and wear brands you could otherwise not afford? My favorite store, bar none, is Fifi's Frocks and Frills in Guilderland (how can you not try it out, with its great alliterative name!). The clothes are in good condition, sometimes new right off the rack. There is a sense of camaraderie when several customers are in the shop, with Fifi herself, one of her employees, or other shoppers giving you advice on whether something looks good on you or not. I often find items by Chico's or Eileen Fisher, my brands of choice. Women only…sorry guys...

The Salvation Armies have the vastest selection. For women's clothes though, I'm a big fan of Good Finds at 260 Washington Ave (Albany). Profits go to charity and it's a lot less expensive than the consignment shops, but it is more pleasant/ clean/ curated than the Salvation Army stores. (And it supports a mental health agency rather than a group with discriminatory beliefs.)

Not a store, but in the spring the synagogue on Academy has a rummage sale which has the best women's clothing selection I have encountered at such things.

Something Old Something New in the Stonewell Plaza in Slingerlands at the junction of Rt. 85 and Rt. 85A. Pretty good selection of clothing and accessories, although the side of the store with all the housewares, furniture, linens is my favorite part.

I second Sarah's comment. I love the salv. Wednesday is family day and everything is half off. Good Finds is pretty awesome too. The thrift shop across from St. Peter's has some good stuff too, "For Pete's Sake"

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