I do often leave a thrift store empty handed.
#1 ~ Prep yourself that you might not find anything.
I remind myself that I'm there for useful, quality and classy items. If I don't find those or they aren't in my acceptable price range, I don't buy anything. I'm not just going in for retail therapy.
#2 ~ Check what you need or what you will need soon.
If I know my husband needs cargo shorts, I check the men's shorts section. If I know Blossom1 could use some dresses, I check the dresses, but I'm prepared to find those things over a quick stop at Goodwill here or a last minute post-library stop at the Salvation Army store there.
Rarely do I have time for a full store overhaul.
Short trips make me feel like I haven't wasted time.
#3 ~ Check your size or your favorite colors.
Different thrift stores organize things differently. I quickly rifle through my favorite colors, which are jewel tones and pick from those, OR I find my size and start a quick search there, based on patterns and materials that always catch me eye... like denim or nautical navy blue and white stripes.
#5 ~ Check what matches your family's lifestyle and interests.
The Rugged Mountain Man loves taking the girls hunting, but that's a lot of gear over the growing years. I now know to watch out for mandatory orange items and camouflage items. I also know that the girls need Carhart-type work clothes and coats for chores, so I automatically check anything that looks like it might be suitable for those things.
What that means is, I walk quickly down an aisle, alertly perusing the contents, only stopping for something that catches my eye. I also stick my army on it.
"Keep your eyes out for __________, girls!"
They do a great job!
(some of my favorite thrift store finds over the years)
#5 ~ Feel things.
The Rugged Mountain Man likes quality wool pieces and I like leather, so I brush through the coat or sweater aisle and "feel things." Often, that's how I know to stop and check tags and sizes.
Sometimes I walk in and check ONE section... that's it!
Thrifting isn't a one time event. In fact, some of my least successful trips are when I stop once, thinking I'm going to find all the stuff I need. Just pop in here and there and take a gander around the store!
Dominique
