Donating and shopping at HOPE Chest helps to support survivors of domestic violence.
However, there are many other reasons to thrift this summer!
Here's our list of the top reasons why you should be thrifting:
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Stretch your budget
If you’re looking for a good reason to shop at thrift stores, look no further than your own wallet. It’s no secret that thrift stores, like HOPE Chest, sell items for a fraction of the full price for new items. The idea of frugal living isn’t just good for people with limited financial resources - everyone can benefit. Looking for bargains can help you save money to put toward a financial goal, splurge on that item you want, or pay your expenses.
Many thrift stores go a step further and offer greater savings on certain days. At HOPE Chest, we offer specials on the first Thursday of every month, including everyone’s favorite, all items over $1 are 50% off.
Caution: After shopping at a thrift store, you might not want to purchase anything at full retail price - again. Thrift store shopping will save you some serious cash!
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You can create your own style
If you’re in the market for new summer looks and you head straight to a department store to pay full price, you’re bound to run into other people wearing the same outfits. Discovering a new look means finding your next staple piece. Thrift shops also have a diverse assortment of clothing, meaning you’re less likely to find yourself wearing the same top or as a friend or co-worker. Thrift shopping is a way to try a new look, trend, brand or style without sacrificing our savings account.
After all, we’re all unique — shouldn’t our wardrobes reflect us?
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It’s fun to treasure hunt
Just like auctions, yard sales, or flea markets, you never know what you’ll find at a thrift store. With donations coming in daily, there are always hidden treasures to find. Avid thrifters call it the thrill of the hunt and it can get competitive; searching through racks for your own personal treasure can be exciting, suspenseful, and addictive.
Pro tip: If you like it, hold onto it, because you may lose the opportunity to grab it later!
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Thrift stores help the community
Most thrift shops, like HOPE Chest, are run by charitable or non-profit organizations that use their retail platform to provide much-needed services to the community. At the time survivors need it most; participants of HOPE Family Services (HOPE) are able to shop free of charge at HOPE Chest, from socks to home furnishings. By shopping at HOPE Chest your proceeds help to pay for utilities and repairs at HOPE’s Emergency Safe Shelter. Whether you donate to HOPE Chest or shop at HOPE Chest you are saving lives and supporting survivors of domestic violence in Manatee County, FL.
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There is SO much more than just clothes
Whether you’re looking for a handbag, kitchenware, clothing, or anything in between, thrift stores have it all. At most stores, you can find sections with kitchen appliances, artwork, toys, furniture, jewelry, shoes, books and much more. For many, thrift stores a go-to place for their sizeable furniture selections, including quality items and great discounts. HOPE Chest offers an array of items and even has rotating seasonal decorations in the Holiday Room!
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It’s environmentally friendly
Donating and buying from a thrift shop is an excellent way to reuse and recycle. The reuse of items such as clothes, electronics, furniture, etc. decreases the waste going to landfills and the number of new items that need to be created. Thrift shopping is also an eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion, which is the process of getting new and trendy items to consumers as quickly and cheaply as possible. Buying second-hand means you don’t have to sacrifice your style to be kind to Mother Earth.