Six Good Reasons to Shop at Second Hand Stores

1. Save Money

Obviously used stuff is not going to be as much money as new stuff. BUT WAIT!!! At some second hand stores you can actually find new stuff too! Yes sir, and/or madam, you can find some new stuff at second hand stores. Often times clothing stores need to unload their seasonal clothing so do so in exchange for a tax donation receipt to a second hand store. Or some folks buy stuff they do not bother wearing, and they take it to the second hand stop. Let us not forget about the people who got gifts they never wore then snuck out the door to the second hand store. Yup, you can find some new stuff there too among the used stuff… clothing and more.

You can save a small fortune buying from these stores, filling you closet and house with excellent items that somebody else was finished with or did not need to begin with. If you need something, you should always check a few of the second hand stores first… after a while you will find some stores are better than others, Often the bigger stores get more stuff, and more of the newer stuff. I do not think “stuff” is a correct word, but you get the point.

If you have a new baby, this is a great place to find baby clothes. Babies out grow clothing very fast so most is like new. Babies do not require “perfectly” new stuff, so you can save a bundle by shopping at second hand stores for your baby, and even, children’s clothing and toys.

2. Save the Planet

Sure, if you buy used items it means everything already had a useful life, and basically if it was not in the store it would be in the garbage. Plus by buying from the second hand shop you are not creating a NEED for somebody to go and chop down some trees to make you something you probably didn’t really need anyhow. No factory is paying somebody 5 cents a day to make you that shirt, polluting the sky as they do. You saved the planet, pat yourself on the back, or if you cannot reach your back, pat yourself on the front.

But don’t stop there… YOU can also take your used or unwanted items (providing they are clean and in good condition) to a second hand store so they can go to a new home rather than to the landfill. It is a great way to recycle things you have tired of or outgrew.

3. Cool Finds

Oh yeah, you can find good cool stuff at second hand shops. Things people brought back from their holiday to Tasmania twenty years ago. Vintage clothing, REAL vintage clothing, not modern stuff made to look old, but the real deal. You won’t be wearing the same thing as everyone else because many times your finds are so unique, nobody else has it for miles (or years).
You can often find videos and CDs that you cannot find in stores any more. We must not forget Halloween costume ideas, or ideas for any theme party. Even cheap furniture for that College apartment.

4. It is Fun

Even if you do not buy anything, checking out all the unusual items is pretty cool. Trying on some of the more funky vintage items is kinda fun. Nothing is better than looking at somebody else’s used clothing and saying “WOW, I cannot believe anyone would wear this!”. Except for the feeling when you plunk down $5 to buy it yourself.

5. Support Charity

Not all Second hand stores support charity but some do… In such a way you can feel good that your money it not going to some power hungry company, but is actually going to do some good in the world. Most second hand shops where the profits go for charity have the name of the charity posted or are run by the charity itself.

6. It is Better Than Eating Poutine

Poutine, for those who don’t know, is French Fries, smothered in melted cheese and gravy. A heart attack in the making. Shopping at second hand stores isn’t like that. It’s better.