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Thrifting has become an increasingly popular way to stretch dollars and more Canadians are turning to second-hand shops to find a deal. With the cost of living going up seemingly every month, thrifting is a great way to buy essentials for your family and perhaps you may even find little treasures along the way.
There are many tips you should remember when thrifting, such as inspecting items before buying, trying on clothes whenever possible, and going in with a plan.
Look for stains, holes, broken zippers, missing buttons, odors, and signs of moth damage. Also keep in mind older, vintage items may have different sizes than modern clothing.
Know what you need, but stay open to unexpected finds. Don’t be afraid to look around as great pieces can be misplaced, especially in clothing stores.
Visit the store at different times as new inventory gets put out throughout the day, and some stores have specific discount days. Ask an employee when stock usually hits the floor or if there are certain days when the store receives large shipments.
Thrift stores can be excellent for books, cookware, furniture, art, bags, and home décor. For instance, high-quality cookware can usually be found at a fraction of the price of retail.
If you have some sewing skills, think about possible alterations. Pants that are too long can easily be hemmed to make the right fit.
If you're looking for clothes, learn to recognize fabric, construction, and fit rather than relying only on brand names. That's one of the fastest ways to start spotting genuinely good pieces.
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Photo Credit: ID 420028104 © Tom Smigla | Dreamstime.com
