thrify business

With everyone lamenting the recent economic downturn, one can more easily appreciate a bargain. Two of the best places to engage in the hunt are Goodwill and Rag-o-Rama, where, with a little bit of luck and little bit more patience, you can find high quality clothing at a much more reasonable price.

My favorite Goodwill location is on Manchester-- perhaps because of it’s proximity to Wendy’s. This Goodwill has received much of my old clothing over the years, and Ben and I have just recently rediscovered its wonder. Always clean and well organized, Goodwill offers dresses starting at $4 and most shirts at $2 or $3. One of my amazing finds was a bikini for just $2, when the likes of it in stores cost closer to $30! Ben was lucky enough to snatch 2 suits, one of which cost only $11. The wonderful thing about Goodwill is that the clothes are in good shape; you could never tell where they came from unless you asked the purchaser. Although Goodwill is only open until 8, they have such a wide selection that the time constraint doesn’t matter. Ben and I love bargain hunting for more than clothes, too. Goodwill also has accessories, bedding, pictures, and furniture. I once spotted a very nice looking desk for just $35. Thus, Goodwill proves that it is not a store for those with no other options; it is a store for the financially savvy.

Rag-o-Rama, now known as Avalon Exchange, is located in the loop regardless of coming into new ownership. I think of this store as a St. Louis landmark; hence, I refuse to call it by any other name. Rag-o-Rama is home to the more high-end of second-hand, and consequently, their prices are a bit higher. However, this thrift shop gives you bang for your buck by offering more unique, stylish clothes that can easily compete with any of the loop’s other boutiques. One of my favorite features is their $3 Grab Bag, which has been around for years now. In a small plastic baggy, you can find anything from wallets to jewelry, and don’t be fooled by the price. These treasures are just as usable as anything else that can be purchased in the store. Shopping at Rag-o-Rama may be a challenge for the indecisive [i.e. this author], but it is a rewarding one to overcome; some of my favorite shirts and necklaces come from this classic of the 314. On top of fabulous finds, Rag-o-Rama always plays good music. Could you ask for more?

The answer is no.

Stay cool, St. Louis.