Kristin Maloney
There comes a time in everyone’s life when we must bite the bullet and confess that our wardrobe needs a little sprucing up and we must disregard the non-essential articles. Why head to the King of Prussia mall when non-stop inexpensive shopping is only around the corner? Who could have ever imagined that shopping at a thrift store could feel so good on the heart and wallet?
Consignment shops have been around for years, but it has not been until recently that they have gained such popularity. They offer one of a kind must haves for everyone. From old school Adidas warm up pants to mom’s favorite collectables, they have everything under the sun. Not only do consignment shops offer an opportunity for discount shopping, but they also benefit the community around us.
A consignment shop is someplace where you buy a yearly membership to consign your clothes and other belongings at. That’s right folks, when that neon yellow polka dot ribbed sweater is no longer gracing the covers of Vogue, you can sell it to a consignment shop, and if someone in their right mind wants to buy it, then you get a portion of the proceeds. Not only can you find unique pieces at thrift stores, you can make some money and also make someone else’s day when they find the silver bangle bracelet they have been looking for that you no longer want.
Most consignment/thrift stores have a wide shopping selection. Furniture, shoes, jewelry, clothes, house ware, furs and purses are just a few of the many treasures you will find there. It is important to remember that most of the great people that work at consignment and thrift stores are volunteers. The proceeds from the sales profit organizations by choice of the shop.
The Trading Post, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting cancer research at Fox Chase Cancer Center, is located on Lancaster Avenue in Paoli. Open Monday-Friday 9:30a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10a.m. to 3:00 p.m. accepts donations the first Saturday of every month. The Trading Post is quite, clean and appealing. They offer a wide selection of jewelry, clothes, furnishings for the home and everything in-between. For more information you may contact the store at 610-644-4110.
Tucked away off the traffic packed Route 30 on Berwyn Avenue in Berwyn, sits a quaint thrift store called The St. Jude Thrift Shop. Opened Monday-Friday 10a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday11a.m. to 3:00 p.m., they cater to the needy community around them. They accept mostly donations and few consignments offering extremely low prices. Proceeds go towards helping to pay the tuition of students in need of financial assistance at St. Monica’s School and Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor. Proceeds also profit the Protestant churches in the area. The welcoming smiles from the sweet ladies behind the counter encourage donations of jewelry and furniture, but please, no clothes.
Right behind the Bryn Mawr Hospital, the Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift Shop can be found. Located on Glenbrook Avenue in Bryn Mawr, the store is opened Monday-Friday 9:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This store, which carries a large selection of cool furniture, benefits the Bryn Mawr hospital. Consignments of up-to-date clothing can be made seasonally and donations are welcome. For further information call 610-525-4888.
If second hand shopping is not an interest, remember to keep in mind that donating any clothing, or articles no longer needed to these stores may help someone else. Donations are always accepted at The Salvation Army located on Pechin Street in Roxbourgh and Main Street in Norristown.
It is never to late to visit the nearest thrift shop. Be creative, be unique, go crazy, go thrift store shopping!
