Places to Shop
Not all thrift stores are created equal. Here are a few different places you can go to get the loot:
Thrift stores
"Thrift store" is used as a generic term for all kinds of second hand stores. The Salvation Army and the Goodwill usually call their retail outlets "thrift stores." Many thrift stores are run by non-profit charities who provide the poor with affordable clothing and household items. In addition, purchases at the store generate money to help those in need--so go ahead and splurge, it goes to a good cause.
Vintage shops
A "Vintage shop" is a lot like a thrift store, but usually only sells retro items and the clientele is willing to shell out big bucks for kitschy or rare one-of-a-kind items. Also, most vintage shops are not non-profit.
Flea markets
When lots of different vendors come together to sell their stuff, it's called a flea market. There's usually a wide range of stuff for sale, and bargaining is expected. Flea markets are held indoors or outdoors, often on Saturdays or Sundays. Sometimes you have to pay a small entrance fee to browse.
Tag/Garage Sales
People sell their stuff (old baby stuff is in high supply, we find) out of their garage...or on their stoop if they live in Brooklyn.
Consignment Shops
If someone doesn't want to donate her stuff or have a tag sale, she can bring it to a consignment shop, which will sell it for her. When the stuff sells, the shop gives her a portion of the sale price. You can often find fancier things at these stores. Some consignment shops are even limited to designer clothes.
Charity Shops
Profits from charity shops are donated to an organization or cause. You may want to check out the cause or organization a store supports before you shop there. That way you don't end up supporting your ideological enemies.
Estate Sales
Estate sales are held when someone dies and has a lot of stuff their relatives don't want. (Or they need to sell it to pay off the deceased person's debt.) Estate sales are usually announced in the local paper. There's a good chance you'll find furniture and other antiques at an estate sale. Dealers often get their merchandise at estate sales.
Auctions
Live auctions are like eBay in real time. You get a little numbered sign or a paddle before the auction starts. Then an auctioneer calls for bids in what sounds like another language. When you want to make a bid, you raise your number. It goes really fast, so it's best to decide ahead of time the top price you're willing to pay for something.
Clothing Swaps
Clothing swaps are parties where friends (and sometimes strangers) trade clothes. Bartering is a beautiful thing, because your friends' trash is quite possibly the greatest treasure there is--especially if they're giving away that pair of go-go boots you've been eyeing for years.
Not all thrift stores are created equal. Here are a few different places you can go to get the loot:
Tag/Garage Sales
