Watson

I buy almost all my clothing at re-sale shops. You just have to have the time to search through the items to find the gems. It's amazing what people give away. I've got a closet full of designer labels.
OTOH, I give away any clothes that I'm not going to wear or are too big/small for me as well. So it goes both ways.

I do find that the prices in the consignment shops have gone up and they are getting really picky about what they will take. The problem there is that a lot of the people who buy the high end stuff seem to be smaller sizes and then the consignment store ends up with fewer larges and extra larges to choose from because they got a little too snobby.

Watson

KalamaQuilts

I've mentioned this here before and don't want to sideline the subject of interest It was tough! but more than worth it.

starshine

[QUOTE=Watson;.... to be smaller sizes and then the consignment store ends up with fewer larges and extra larges to choose from because they got a little too snobby.

Watson[/QUOTE]

I have read on some of the threads on the board comments about going to thrift stores to buy cotton fabric-and they comment they look for the larger sizes b/c the pay the same price for a shirt/blouse no matter the size so they go for the larger sizes to get more fabric-this would probably just be the cotton fabric items, shirts, skirts and dresses.

One of the things I have discovered is calls for donations for "kidney services" and they will pick up so lots of folks are happy to donate, is that the National foundation that you think is getting the money from the sale is not. I called the local office for their thrift shop as I thought I would shop there, and looked it up by the addresses-more than one in our town. The thrift shop is a for profit chain of stores. Then found a story from a few years earlier by a local tv news channel. the Nkf gets $1 for each pick up for use of referral. The calls have quit using the Nat. name and go by services. Looking at the thrift stores website any clothing that is too worn or not up to their par they sale as rags to some industrial companies.

On another note there is a group here that operates 2 free stores. Anyone can come in and get some clothing, shoes, coats, etc. I don't recall if there is a limit per day or not. However when my dh was volunteering he noticed sometimes when he left after his volunteer time a guy who had come in that day was 1/2 a block away trying to sell what he picked up to others on the sidewalk. that was discouraging too.

I think that one might be able to donate to shelters, women's abuse shelter, or a group that assists unemployed getting back to work, school kids, etc. If thrift stores don't need them look around for that. And if you are willing to spend money on shipping there are areas that have need that probably aren't in your area-Appalachia, reservations(St. Bonaventure NM) was on CBS Sunday morning last year with their water project. Another eye opening story.

madamekelly

Lately it looks like our local Goodwill and St. Vinnie's has stopped selling any quilters cottons. They have lots of polyesters, but no more cottons. I wonder if they are selling it another way to make more money? It would not surprise me.

Davena

I so agree with your comment. I know that they have to pay their staff and all that, but every thing in the store was donated to them. So why such high prices?????? GRRRR I get very frustrated with the bigger charity stores. I love getting in to the little thrift stores run by volunteers, they seem to price stuff right.

mjhaess

Prices are going up everywhere.

Geri B

Comment about donating clothing to women's shelter.......a few yrs ago I had two large bags filled with my " office attire"--- retired, didn't need that much. Thought the women's shelter, where young pregnant women were housed, and also were then groomed for the working works after delivery....so I called first, spoke to the director..and was told they do not accept clothing donations, not for mothers to be or the babies....will only accept $$$$$$. The feeling being letting the women shop for their wardrobe was better for their self esteem rather than accepting charity. I have mixed feelings about that theory....needless to say, I did not send $$$ and found another outlet for my clothes.

mike'sgirl

I don't agree with their practices, so I dont donate to them either. They are ridiculous for how much they charge for things.

mike'sgirl

My local goodwill never has anything like that. They have very little that I would buy otherwise , so I don't go there.

Grace creates

When I was living in NC I bought almost all my clothes, except skirts at thrift stores. They had a bunch to raise money for domestic violence homes. It was set up like an upscale boutique with great prices. To keep the inventory from becoming like a junk shop everyday they had a different special going on. Nothing worn or with stains could be donated. I was able to have designer clothing and live on my strict budget, and the money went for a good cause.