National Thrift Shop Day

What exactly is a thrift shop?  The most common concept for such a store, is one in which used items are on sale for a great value.  Many stores come to mind when discussing thrift shops, for example: Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and the YWCA.  My first experience with a thrift store was in Austin.  On many visits with Mom and Grandmother, we would make a trek to the local Salvation Army store a few miles from the house.  This was the highlight of our visit, like kids in a candy store.  Regardless if we thought the item was a "want" or a "need", we were sure to walk out with purchase in hand.  Since living in Fort Worth, there are many thrift stores I regularly visit, mostly Goodwill stores.  The key to shopping in these venues is frequency.  To show up once in a blue moon may or may not reap very many treasures; however, to shop several times a week will surely guarantee greater odds of finding that hidden gem.  Many times I have found items at a great price, realizing I am probably the only one who knows the true worth of the purchase.  One time I found a Peterson pipe stand for only a few dollars.  On other occasions, I have found partial stamp collections priced to sell far below their actual value.  What is your favorite thrift shop?  If you don't have one, please visit these wonderful treasure troves.  The thrift shop fever is contagious and will grow on you.  Happy National Thrift Shop Day!

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