Economically depressed area thrift shopping

annagybe

So I'm in Lewiston, Idaho for my father's dental surgery. My Dad showed me the local Goodwill and Saint Vincent de Paul. After dropping him off and tooling around town I decided to investigate. It was sad, really, really sad. I did see a pair of spring green cropped pants, but decided they weren't the right shade. I did however get a "nice boots" from someone at Costco. Also the restaurant that got 98% on Urbanspoon was basically fast food. Even though I grew up near here, I have definitely become a city person.
Picture is of my Acne boots I'm wearing.

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11 years ago

Urgent

10 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Anonymous

I hope your dad's dental surgery goes well!

11 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

There is def. a difference from place to place as far as thrift stores go. I have little luck in Berkeley/Oakland but go to Alameda, it's a gold mine.

Sometimes, you can't go home again (except to just see people). I would bet your Dad is happy you came to visit and help him out.

11 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

It's a strange phenomenon, isn't it? When I go back to where I grew up (similar area by the way), I am always shocked by how my contemporaries dress. They dress so maturely--matronly is really the better word--it looks like all the joy got squeezed out of them. Maybe they think I'm a wacko, though. I'm good with it. Enjoy the Palouse!

11 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Man, do I know exactly what you're talking about. I grew up in a very small town in Iowa and almost never go back to the state. I went back to my town a few years ago and was so blown away by how *rural* and tiny it was. I am definitely a city person, after living in Chicago for 10+ years...sadly I'm stuck in college town suburbia now.

It's fab that you got a compliment on your pale blue Acne boots in the Costco! Hope his surgery goes well and the recovery is straightforward.

11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I'm the opposite - grew up in Boston, lived in NY, Philly and Baltimore. Then moved here and never looked back. I miss the city vibe but love my life here too.

11 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

The good thing about shopping thrift in an economically depressed area is that on the rare occasions that they do get something good, they don't know it!

11 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I'm surprised you didn't come across any goodies! I know when i thrift i generally have better luck shopping in smaller town Goodwills than ones located in the cities because people don't know what to look for.

....Not to sound like a jerk. >.>

11 years ago

LeahJanes

Active Member

The best Goodwill in San Francisco is the one in the dodgiest part of town. I really think it varies.

11 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

I never find much in Goodwill, anyway. I think there's a mentality on the part of some people that things shouldn't go to waste and too many things that should be thrown away are gifted to Goodwill. Goodwill is sometimes the bitter end.

I like church thrift stores. People may be a little embarrassed to bring over things in sad condition. Although, if the eyesight of both the donor and the volunteers is not good, then you do end up having to be very careful about spotting moth damage. Though the Goodwill's very brightly lit and the same is true there.

I'm not looking for deals on current in-store branded merchandise. I'm more interested in good quality older clothes that I can tweak or put together in just such a way as to participate in trends I like. I want to individualize things for me.

Also, clothes like AllSaints are not my style because I don't want anyone squinting to try to figure out why my sweater is buttoned "wrong." I want all my pieces of clothing to be instantly recognizable to the man in the street and described by one word or two: jacket, shirt, big flowers. The creativity comes from the way I put things together.

11 years ago

anne

Veteran

I am not keen on thifting in my town either. While not economically depressed, it is not the height of fashion. I don't want to buy stuff from op shops from places like Suzanne Grae and Millers - I can afford to buy these new! And there is little in my size.

That said, I know local people who are dedicated opshoppers and seem to do well. The trick seems to be to go often and be flexible - I am neither.

There is a town 20km down the road with a much more upmarket reputation where I have heard that the op shops send some of there stuff up to the city, they have so much! I guess I should check it out, but we only visit there for family outings on weekends, when they wouldn't be open.

11 years ago

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