Thrifting in 2024

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Welcome to the Blog today, Friends, and Happy 2024. A whole new year of thrifting stretches before us and I wonder what changes will occur in that market. In my area it seemed to change a lot in the last months of 2023 with more and more people in the Thrift Stores. More people searching means less finds per person so employing some Thrift Store strategies becomes even more important.

I’m sharing some tips with you today that I use on a regular basis. Hope they will be helpful. I’m also sharing my first Thrift Store shop of 2024 with you.

What to Look for at the Thrift Store

Some standard home decor items are still a good buy at the Thrift Store. Things like baskets, picture frames, mirrors, linens, dishes and glassware are all worth a look. I always have a list with photos and colors in my phone so I can match the list with any pieces I might find when looking. Specific china or crystal patterns are in my phone. I have a picture of my Great Room for color match, if I see something that might fit. You get the idea. The more prepared you are, the more success you will have and the fewer mistakes you will make.

Have a Budget in Mind

I have a limit of how much I will spend on an item. It’s pretty hard and fast although I occasionally make an exception…but not often. It’s important to know how much something sells for on the retail market to ensure you are getting a good buy. Your phone can be your greatest ally when you are shopping. If you see something you might want to purchase, put it in your cart, then take the time to look it up before you buy. That way you know the value and can make an informed decision.

Storage

Don’t buy what you can’t store. Don’t buy what doesn’t fit in your space. I always travel with measurements when I’m looking for furniture items. I don’t want to purchase something that is too big for it’s intended placement. Preparation is key.

Checking It Twice

Be sure and check each item carefully for chips, cracks, etc. Make sure you open everything before buying. If an item is taped shut, ask the person at the check-out to open it for you. I have been stung a few times by flaws that were covered by tape. Usually store personnel are very helpful and understand your concerns.

Serendipity

Sometimes you run across something that wasn’t on your list. These items can be really special finds. Be open to a little serendipity in your thrifting adventures. They may turn out to be your best finds.

Rising Prices

Thrift Store prices have been rising quickly in the past couple of years. That’s why its even more important now to know the value of what you’re purchasing.

Competition

I am not a reseller and don’t look at thrifting as a business but I have occasionally sold some finds when I need to make room for newer items. However, there are many people in the stores who make a business out of thrift store finds and you see them more and more. It’s important to know when your local stores put out new merchandise. Then you can be there early on those days and have a chance against all those daily shoppers.

I hope some of these tips will make your shopping more fun and more productive. Now on to the finds for this week.

This silver-plated Christmas tree by Godinger was a nice find. It retails for about $90 and this was $3. It was hardly tarnished at all and in excellent condition. I think it will make a great centerpiece. The little cups are made for candles.

These Mikasa glasses were a nice find and I was able to use a 1/2 off card I had for this store. They still ended up being about $3 per glass which was a little high for me. The pattern is called “Stephanie”…quite pretty.

Found these Spode plates that are quite pretty. They will be beautiful for Spring and Summer table settings. There were seven dinner plates and 6 large soup bowls. The soup bowl is pictured above. The total for the set was $20…not too bad.

I found these two very long stemmed glasses with gold rims for $1 each. They are really pretty and by a company called Olivia & Oliver. It was a new one to me.

Finally, two table runners. The first which is on the bottom was a simple cream and rust striped runner. It laundered beautifully and looks quite pristine. The second was the Hallowe’en runner on top. It had a few stains that I thought would wash out and they did so it is in great shape now. I’ll be using both of these in the Fall. They were $2.25 each.

thanks for stopping by today to share in this firsts hope of 2024. Hope your next thrifting Adventure is lots of fun with some great finds.