Every new year is loaded with good intentions – clean out the closet, save money, give to charity. Fortunately, these three resolutions can be combined in one easy outing - just hit the thrift shops!
The Cayman Islands Humane Society, the Red Cross, Cayman Islands Hospice, and numerous other charitable organisations have thrift shops on Island. These rely on donations from members of the public to keep the shelves stocked, and is the perfect place to take that toaster you received as a gift two years ago but still haven’t taken out of the box, or that dress you wore once, back before you lost all the weight (hey, it’s the new year and my resolution is to be more positive).
Of course, there are those who are perfectly happy to donate to thrift shops, but baulk at the idea of shopping there. This is just fine by me – it leaves more deals for the rest of us. And for bargain hunters, there can be no greater high than the thrill of the hunt and the exhilaration of finding a
great deal.
The Humane Society’s thrift shop, located above the shelter on North Sound Road, is a veritable treasure trove of lightly used clothing and other items. Looking for a designer label at a fraction of the price? Then there is no better place to visit. And as thrift shopping has changed, so have the stores – the Humane Society’s store has gone from a ‘typical’ bland thrift shop to something that looks more like a boutique, making the entire shopping experience even more pleasurable.
Best of all though is that whether you donate items or buy them, you know that you are supporting a charity that could really need the help. There are so few true win-win situations out there, so this year, resolve to put thrift shops on your to do list.
Tips for thrift shopping:
Visit the shops often:
With no set stock, you will be surprised at what you might find, but as the items change from day to day, visiting the store often is the only way to find that bargain.
Be thorough:
No matter how well intentioned the thrift shop, due to the nature of the beast it can be hard to keep inventory well ordered. This means that a great dress could be hidden among the men’s shirts, or a pair of trousers among the jackets.
Be decisive:
If you see something you like, buy it, as there won’t be another one, so this is not the time to go shopping around. If the item is half as good as you think it is, it won’t be there when you get back.