1. The Arc

Zip on over the Columbia overpass, then loop around onto Demers Avenue. Just off on the north side you’ll find The ARC. It’s one of my go-to places to donate and shop as proceeds help fund programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The ARC has a small selection of vintage items at the front of the store. You might find sweet aprons from the 1959s, hats perfect for a festive tea party, or games and toys from  your childhood or that of your parents.

“They Grow so Fast”

As you proceed into the store, you’ll pass several changing rooms and come upon four racks of men’s shirts – dress and casual, and pants. Like all the thrift stores listed here, you’ll find a robust section of infant and toddlers’ clothes that look practically new.  (Unfortunately, I did not find any white, boy’s shirts.)

However,  I did find a gorgeous vintage leather jacket. Treasure.

Doo-dads
My favorite section at The ARC is across the aisle from the clothing, what my mom would call “doo-dads.” How I do love a doo-dad. These are unique, decorative items. Maybe it’s a funky,  orange serving dish from the seventies that recalls the old “it goes from the oven to the table” mantra, or perhaps it’s fun salt and pepper shakers. Remember: One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.

2. Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Located almost directly across from the ARC, is The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch on the south side of Demers. This space spans even bigger than the ARC and might have a bigger selection of furniture, if that’s what you’re after.

They have many more racks of clothing, all off to your right when you enter from their parking lot. While I struck out again on white, boys’ button-down shirts, I did find a wet suit. Surfs up, North Dakota.

Furniture:
 If it’s furniture you’re after, this store would be a good place to start, just head straight back. The day I was there, I found a couple of sweet chairs, perfect for a conversational nook, a sofa, a square hassock, and a number of headboards.

TIP: Like most thrift stores in the area, furniture is going to be slim pickings in late August. We are a college town, after all, and the smart kids know to shop for secondhand furniture for their college apartment. Your best bet to scoop up furniture is in May when students empty out their apartments. Rugs, comforters, kitchen appliances – you name it. You can score big in May and June. Of course, inventory is always changing – which is why you need to thrift regularly to nab the treasures.

Entertainment
Looking to add to your vinyl collection? The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch has its own “media room.”  VHS, records, and CDs are fun to peruse in this neatly organized space.

Doo-dads
The really special stuff is in glass cases up front. Looking for vintage brooches or rings? You might just find that unique gift for yourself in the case at the Boys Ranch. They also have a lot of brand new items. It seems like Target may be donating small items in their “dollar” section to this shop so if you’re looking for party favors, you might score big.

After the Ranch, I headed for a an oft overlooked little shop:

3. St Joseph’s Social Care and Thrift

St. Joe’s is cleverly hidden on South 8th street in the 600 block, tucked away in a residential area.  If someone wanted to score a teal green, leather sectional, they would find it here that day.

This is also where individuals can access free food at the Food Pantry. They have both fresh produce and meat. Young families stretching their dollars will find a plentiful toy section, lots of bike helmets, tennis rackets, and couple pairs of roller blades.

If you’re looking for Halloween costumes for kids or yourself, St. Joe’s is ready for you. They had two racks of used costumes – and by “used,” I mean, probably worn once.

Seasonal Décor
Speaking of Halloween, why spend extra on brand new decorations when thrift stores stock plenty of items that look brand new?  Every store I stopped in had Halloween decorations just waiting to adorn your home.

South-end Thrifting

Still coming up empty on the white shirts, I headed back to South Washington and motored down to 36th Avenue.

4. Easter Seals – Goodwill

You know how they say some stores have everything from “soup to nuts?” Well, at Goodwill you will even find a horse. She stands outside waiting for you to snap a pic with her.

Preparing for Winter
Inside this spacious building, you’ll find plenty of racks of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. (Sadly, no white, boys’ button down shirts, though.) Temps were in the eighties the day I was there, but they already had some excellent deals on winter coats. If I were in the market for a coat, I would have had several quality ones to choose from. There was a burnt orange LL Bean for just $8.50 and a Liz Claiborne down coat that would keep the cold out for a mere $10.50! There were also an assortment of boots and even some cross country skis. When you’re gearing up for winter – don’t forget to shop thrift.

Set the Table, Serve the Cocktails
After visiting five thrift shops, I am vowing to buy all my tableware at second-hand shops. Need a margarita or martini glass? Got it. Need a set of dinner plates? Got it.  Need pots and pans? Hello. The largest assortment hands-down was at Goodwill, but every shop had a wide assortment of glassware.

5. Salvation Army Thrift Store

This was my last shop for the day, although there are a few other thrift stores I didn’t hit. The Salvation Army Thrift is hidden behind the Comfort Inn on 32^nd Avenue. Turn in by Burger King and you’ll see it off to your left. Not as large as Goodwill or The Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, but they always seem to have a nice assortment of wall art and small appliances. You might find a few furniture items, too.

Get Fancy
They had a large assortment of formal dresses and gowns. Once again, you know these get worn once or twice. Why pay full price when you can get your fancy on for less than thirty bucks?

Score!

While they didn’t have the elusive white shirts, I did find a fabulous vintage valise for fifteen bucks. These are hard to come by and while I can’t use it in School of Rock, I know it’ll end up on stage at some point. I think this is my big take away about thrifting: It can be hard to find a very specific item. Not every shop has an eggbeater, for example (The ARC did), or a wet suit, but if you shop with an open mind, there’s no telling what treasures you can land.