18 Jun 3 Reasons Summer is the Perfect Time to Thrift Shop

It’s always tricky determining the best day, time or even season to go thrift shopping. But the summer can actually be a great for a few reasons.

If you need cheap chic threads, head to your local thrift shop. The inventory is high and the trends are right on point.

The summer months are moving season and what happens when people move? They ditch a lot of their goods instead of taking them to their new place. And if the person is considerate and eco-friendly, they won’t actually throw the clothes away but will donate them to the nearest thrift shop. Also, check the free section on Craigslist. I know tons of people {including myself!} who leave items on the curb if they don’t have the time or resources to drop their goods off at the thrift shop. When you see a free listing on Craigslist, you have to act fast though!

Also, if you live on the east coast or anywhere where the hot summer days are limited to about three months, your thrift shop is looking to move summer inventory pretty quickly. Those flowy tank tops, linen garments and open toe sandals can have a pretty short shelf life and will eventually need to make room for fall and winter clothes. So just like any store, they’ll have serious discounts to move the merchandise toward the middle and especially the end of the season. Last summer my Salvation Army had a major sale on shorts and tank tops. Everything was just $1. So keep checking back periodically for sales like this.

And in general I consider thrift shopping in the summer to have greater options not just because people are donating more due to moving season, but some people donate more summer goods than winter items. Think about it, people are more willing to invest in a good fall jacket or warm winter coat. And they’re less likely to get rid of these items. However, a maxi dress, tank top or cute t-shirt, some people don’t think twice about donating those!

So check out your local thrift shop and don’t forget to pick up the “I Don’t Pay Retail, I Thrift!” tote bag. They’re a great way to carry your thrifted goods {especially if your store doesn’t have carts!} and it’s sturdy.

Do you notice an increase in thrifted donations in the summer? What’s been your best thrift store score lately?