Thrift Stores In PA Finds For The Home

By Roger West


As an avid thrift shopper myself, I can't help but advocate the great benefits to shopping secondhand. Some people are deterred from thrift stores because of the strange smell and the overcrowded racks, but if you can look past that and press forward, you will begin to see why Thrift Stores in PA are great place to shop. Here are a few reasons why:

You may be passing through the store when an old chair catches your eye. The only problem is that the material used on the chair isn't exactly "new" and it's not really your style either. Reupholstering furniture can turn into a very fun and rewarding hobby, and picking up items at thrift stores can be a great way to practice.

And although the items are secondhand, many of the items are in great condition with very little noticeable wear. You may even be lucky enough to find a few items with price tags still on them. I once found a brand new (price tag still on) grey and black Anne Klein Blazer, which can retail anywhere from

And who knows, once you reupholster once - you may develop a real passion for it. Many seamstresses donate their old measuring dummies to the charity store, and you can often find a gaggle of them congregated in a corner.

Purchase unique items... With uniqueness ask yourself "Would I buy this item if it was full price?" If yes, get it. If no, wheel around the store trying to convince yourself you will love it when you get home. Accessories are lovable, and some of the best unique finds are found in that category. From floral scarves to braided belts, button earrings to stunning brooches, and classic sandals to peep toe heels, unique accessories can turn the simplest t-shirt and skirt into an eye-catching ensemble. Be sure to inspect these items for any malfunctions as well.

If you start to shop at charity shops it won't take long for you to see that many of them support meaningful causes. Whether it is an organization that helps feed the homeless, one that provides services for battered woman, or one that finds homes for animals, good causes always seem to be connected to charity shops. Just last year the non-profit, Helping Hands of Rockmart, GA was able to supply over 53 needy families with food daily with the proceeds from their charity store.

Even for-profit charity shops like Buffalo Exchange, like to give back to the community. Buffalo Exchange runs a campaign in which they give the 5 cents that would normally be used for a merchandise bag, to a charity of the customer's choice. In doing this they have raised nearly $550,000 to give towards local nonprofits. So whatever the mission may be, by choosing to shop at a charity store you are supporting a good cause and who doesn't want to be a part of that?

By taking these unique ideas into consideration, you may just be on the lookout for items that you never thought you'd be looking for before. Thrift store finds give you the opportunity to be creative and use some of the items in a whole new way. By putting your creative license to use - you'll be able to create some inexpensive pieces for your home that will make a big impact.




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