How to Shop At The Salvation Army Thrift Stores

As a person who is always looking to save money, I frequently shop at the Salvation Army Thrift Stores to see what kinds of deals I can get. Sometimes, I am able to pick things up that have the ribbons, bows, and price tags still on them from their use as someone’s gift or purchase that was not wanted. While this sounds excellent, the key to shopping at the Salvation Army is to go on selected days to see if you can save even more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Salvation Army local thrift center's "discount days"
• money
• lots of time and patience

1. First, know the “Customer Appreciation Day”. Find out if your local Salvation Army has one and shop on that day. Our local one is on Wednesdays. On this day, all clothing is half-off, and all brick-a-brac is thirty percent off. Fair warning though: if your Salvation Army store is anything like our local one, be prepared for very long lines; as my average wait in line on every visit is at least a half an hour.
2. Next, know which day is the “color-changing day.” If you have ever visited the Salvation Army’s Thrift Store, you will note there is a sign hanging from the ceiling that lets shopper know that all clothing and bric-a-brac with a certain color tag is half price off of the regular ticket price. Know which day the “color of the week” changes and, for best selection of savings, shop on the day it changes. In town, ours changes on Thursdays, but be sure to ask your local hometown’s thrift center to see which day theirs changes.
3. Finally, know that what is posted is what you pay. The Salvation Army has never charged me any sales tax, and I believe it is because they are a charitable organization. While I can only vouch for my experiences in my local store, I think this may hold true for other locations. Be sure to ask though, if in doubt about your local store’s sales tax policy.

Tips & Warnings

• Enjoy your shopping trip, and be sure to support the Salvation Army. They are more than just the bell-ringers with the red kettles at Christmastime. The thrift stores, on the right day, are a bargain shopper’s treasure hunt just waiting to be explored!
• Lines can get very long on sale days!