I get my best deals at estate sales by far. I've walked out of estate sales with multiple xl clothes for less than $10.00 and that is usually at least 4+ shirts. Thrift stores (GW and SA) around here want as much as $10.00 for xl shirt. At the SA near me they have a sewing machine (White) in cabinet and they want $300.00 still for it. I asked if it was a mistake with one too many zeros. They said no. Been there for about 4 months now. Maybe more.

I have two Goodwill shops in my town. I have gone in a few times but there are no bargains to be had. Prices seemed too high for many items.

I live in Kawkawlin just 4 miles from Bay City. I give up on all the thrift stores for now. I'M going to try the rummage sale as soon as they start. I am also collect ing plains that aren't all cotton. I use these for my grandsons quilts. They seem to take the wear better. I'm going to try and find that apron mentioned above. Sounds cute. I sure feel bad for the people that depend on these stores for all their needs. I love all the comments from you folks. Thank you for chiming in. Make this a wonderful day you and all those around you.

Yes, I agree GW prices seem to have gone up a bit......on some things way out of line! For the condition the piece is in!
I find myself not haunting it as much as I used too........maybe because I REALLY don't need another thing in this house! Am beginning to gather things for my spring garage sale!

Goodwill up here in Southern NH is too expensive in my opinion. Savers (another chain for thrift shop) is also up there in price. I find I can get better deals at Walmart, Target or KMart when they have clearance sales. The one thrift shop I do shop at regularly is the Salvation Army. Their prices are relatively good, but Wednesday is 1/2 price off all color tickets except one...(the one color has all items at 1/2 price Thursday-Tuesday). I have found scrubs made from 100% cotton batiks for $1.50, lots of men's shirts for $3 and less, wool pants, jackets, skirts for $2 each. Mens ties are always $1, winter hats and scarves 50 cents, linens under $5 for king sheets. Lots of great housewares, too. Only thing they don't seem to sell is fabric and sewing machines. Have bought quilt patterns and quilt books, though.

Anita

I don't shop Goodwill anymore. I go to Salvation Army stores. I like Savers thrift store too. But the best place to buy cotton shirts is at yard sales. None are rarely over $1.

Our GW has raised all their shirt prices to $4.29 regardless what shape they are in and so has our salvation army. Have not checked savers for shirts but I plan on hitting the yard sales this year and may have better luck. Like I need any more fabric...lol.

the local Goodwill is not a bargain hunter's choice anymore. Recently sewing patterns jumped from 29 cents to 99 cents. They just slapped the 99 cent tag right next to the old price. I'm sticking with estate and garage sales as those folks are motivated to get the stuff gone.

I'd be thrilled with $3.50. Here they range from $6.99 - $9.99. Once in a while 50% off.

Yes, estate sales or Craig's list are the best. Goodwill has its own Ebay-like auction site (shopgoodwill.com). From my experience, the rest of what they sell is complete junk these days AND over-priced.