"A true shopper leaves no stone unturned" Leigh Erica Jones. A dear friend of mine said this to me many years ago after asking her where she got her designer belt that caught my attention. She had found it in a thrift store and got a great deal for it. That statement has been my motto ever since whenever I'm in a hunt for a great deal; which is almost every time I leave my house. So with that said, I want to share with you some popular places I personally have been able to find some great deals with hopes that when you're creating your own space, you can find some gems for cheap and appreciate something for what it is and not who made it or how much it costs.
My mother and my favorite place to start our hunting season is:
Goodwill Industries is a great place to start because usually they have sales on different color tagged items every week. This means each week, all items with a certain colored tag are on sale off their already low prices. Also, some Goodwill Industries have a pricing system where all picture frames or tables are the same price no matter what. Always check out their furniture section. Find furniture with potential. They have a reasonable return policy as well. I think they also have senior and student discounts. I currently do not qualify for either.
Just like their tagline states, The Salvation Army really does a lot for the community with rehabilitation centers and housing for the less fortunate. With a mission statement like this, who wouldn't want to be part of that giving-it-forward movement; "The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."
Etsy
Etsy is an online market with vendors from all around the glob who make, sell and ship their own products. It's easy to find whatever it is your looking for and there are so many vendors and styles to choose from. This site is especially great when trying to get a great deal on window treatments, pillows and home accessories. Most of them cannot be found at your local home furnishing store and since they are hand made you get that unique look and feel as well. It is also nice to know you are supporting small business.craigslist
Oh, the many crevasses and urban legends of Craig's List. Okay, for the not so faint of heart, Craig's List is like a personal add for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. Local people in your area post things they are looking for and also selling, from furniture to slabs of concrete. They are usually used items but still in good condition. There's also a "Free" section for things people just need to get rid of. Finding something of value and great consumer appeal will be fun because usually once you find something, they are usually willing to negotiate the price. Things to consider is their location in proximity to you, time they are willing to meet with you, and always have cash on you. Try to meet in a public place if possible. And always INSPECT, INSPECT, INSPECT your item before you buy. I haven't had to return anything I've bought, but I'm pretty sure there is no return policy once you've bought your find.
Ross actually sells way more than just clothing. They have a furniture and home-goods section (think lamps, area rungs, pillows, storage containers) that is always being restocked with random finds. Each Ross store location will have different pieces for sale, so I like to shop around and see what each has to offer. Always check out their mark-down sections as well. They have the best mark-downs I've found.
Here are just some things I've uncovered at these shops. I will not disclose where in particular each piece is from or what brand. That is NOT the point. The point is, I GOT A GREAT DEAL!! The end table with the star burst is one of my refurbished pieces.
