Thrift stores have long been favored by bargain-minded shoppers. But in today's economy, even folks who never shopped in the discount stores are going there for deals.
Rochelle Bolton, owner of Glam Slam, a consignment clothing shop on Hixson Pike, said today's shoppers realize it makes sense to shop at thrift stores and consignment shops.
"It has become cool to buy previously worn clothes," she said. "Not only is it a way to save money, it's also a way to be 'green.' "
Local model Lorean Mays said she loves shopping thrift stores.
Staff Photo by Danielle Moore
Michelle Newton, Satoya Foster and Lindsay Devilliers, from left, look at items on sale at the Northside Neighborhood House Thrift Store on Signal Mountain Road.What makesus special?The city is home to at least 10 secondhand clothing stores.WHERE TO SHOPArea shops include:America's Thrift Stores, 6401 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, 485-0798, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.Apple Dumplin Children's Resale Shop, 8115 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, 892-1437, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.Bethel Bible Village Thrift Shoppe, 5135 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 870-9056, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.Encore Consignment Boutique, 1150 Hixson Pike, 267-0130, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday.Glam Slam, 3973 Hixson Pike, 265-4732, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.Goodwill Industries, 1966 Northpoint Blvd., Hixson, 877-9045, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday.Ladies of Charity, 2821 Rossville Blvd., 624-3222, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.Northside Neighborhood Thrift Stores, 211 Minor St. and 241 Signal Mountain Road, 267-2217, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.Salvation Army Thrift Store, 4104 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, 867-9339, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.Samaritan Center, 9231 Lee Highway, Ooltewah, 238-7777, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
"My favorite are Northside Neighborhood House Thrift Store and Ladies of Charity Resale Store," she said. "You can get just about anything for a reasonable price. It's a great place to shop for old-trend clothing that is now back in style."
Chattanoogan Marty Von Schaaf says thrift stores are a good source for odd items, as well.
"Most of the time, I only shop when there is a specific need. Then, I fall into the trap of looking at everything," he said.
If you're into designer clothing, look for it at thrift stores, Angie Williams Daly said.
"I love America's Thrift Stores," she said. "I bought a Versace coat with real fox trim and the tags still on," she said. "The $500 (retail) price tag bought me a beautiful coat that I continue to get compliments on for only $17.50. I am a thrift store queen. Also the consignment shop in Hixson at Ashland Terrace (Glam Slam) is good for my teenager who loves designer jeans."
The Habitat for Humanity store at 1201 E. Main St. offers items that shoppers can buy for their homes.