Alyssa Stowe remembers the thrill of finding a Ralph Lauren pullover at a thrift store in her college town.
It was a classic piece that Stowe might otherwise have had to pay hundreds of dollars to purchase in a designer shop. When Stowe spotted a small stain on the front, she was undeterred. Later, at home, “The stain came right out,” she said. “It’s a great, great piece.”
Today, Stowe has taken her love for thrifting to Goodwill Northern Michigan, where she serves as marketing manager. The years of experience she’s gained from shopping in thrift stores give her an insider’s view into how to find the best items for less while supporting the community.
“We’ve seen thrifting pick up a lot of popularity in the past couple of years, especially,” Stowe said. “When you can find super high-quality items for a fraction of the cost, that makes thrift stores a more affordable option than going to a big box store. And there are a lot of options. There’s something for everybody.”
The thrill of finding a great bargain is matched by the potential to make a difference for the communities the stores serve.
In Northern Michigan, for example, there are nine Goodwill Northern Michigan thrift stores and donation centers, from Cadillac to Cheboygan and Traverse City to Alpena, plus an “Up North” Outlet behind the Traverse City store, where goods are sold for $1.69 per pound. Revenue from these stores goes to community programs that deliver 8,000 pounds of nutritious food a day to 75 area food pantries, community meal sites, and baby pantries, help more than 1,000 people experiencing homelessness access shelter and housing each year, and provide $500,000 a year in store vouchers for people facing emergencies across Goodwill Northern Michigan’s 19-county region.
“When you shop and donate with us, there’s a part of your day that helps to transform the community,” Stowe said.
What does it take to find the best value from a thrifting experience? Stowe offers five tips.
1. Be patient. “It might take a little time to find the right item, especially with so many goods available,” Stowe said. “On the clothing racks, for example, you may search for a while before you find something that calls to you: a vintage sweatshirt or a dress from a favorite designer, for example. When you find that treasure, that’s where the excitement comes in. We hear that joy throughout our stores every day.”
One of the most popular draws to Goodwill Northern Michigan’s retail stores and online store has been antiques. “I’ve seen a lot of antique lamps on the floor and a lot of paintings and glassware as well,” Stowe said. “I’m always looking for vintage t-shirts. I don’t just shop the women’s section; I’ve found great shirts in the men’s section, too.”
2. Be creative. “You might pick up something you don’t typically wear, and because you can get it at lower cost, it might be the time to explore your style,” Stowe said. “You can also put a unique spin on a cool find. I recently picked up a chips-and-dip bowl that I use to hold hand towels in my bathroom. If you keep an open mind, there’s a lot you can find.”
3. Have an open mind. “If an item you love has some wear, don’t let that stop you from buying it. A little TLC can go a long way,” Stowe said. “High-quality items can be brought back to life just by washing them correctly, giving them a good polish or making a small repair.”
4. Know your brands. At Goodwill Northern Michigan, which offers both donated and brand-new items, each store could hold the right treasure for a thrifter if they know what to look for. Stowe recommends doing some homework beforehand, especially if there is a particular type of item you want or need. “For instance, if you’re scrolling online and spot a celebrity outfit you love, you’ll know exactly what to look for in the store. Then, you’ll have a better idea of the style, brand and dollar amount you’d be willing to pay before you shop,” Stowe said.
5. Look for inspiration online. “It can be hard in the moment to know where to focus, especially when there are hundreds of types of items available,” Stowe said. “By looking online or at photos or magazines beforehand, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed as you look at all the great deals and possibilities. Pinterest is your go-to resource! You can find endless home decor inspiration, ideas for styling your dining table for the holidays, or even create a vision board to help you define your style.”
When you support Goodwill Northern Michigan, you help keep 5 million pounds of items out of landfill each year and support food and housing security for neighbors in need in northern Michigan. You can shop, donate, volunteer, or apply for a job. To learn more, visit goodwillnmi.org.