Favorite Thing #45: New Thrift Stores

Discovering a new thrift store is always a highlight in a thrifty woman's life. Remember the Buy By The Pound I found a few years ago? That was simply fantastic. I scored so many amazing deals at that place. Sadly, it seemed to be poorly managed and eventually went under, but it was good while it lasted. 

Now in the same area of Edmonton, I have found my newest thrift store treasure, The MCC Thrift Shop (AKA the Mennonite Central Committee). Now the actual thrift store isn't a new concept (they had a location on Stony Plain Road for years), but the store is new to the southside of Edmonton. And at this point, it's still fairly unknown, leaving plenty of great deals to be had by my hot little hands. Of course, I want to spread the word as I don't want it to go under, but hey...make sure to leave some deals for me too.

My greatest score thus far? 

This lululemon In Stride hoodie.

For a mere $5.

Yup, you read that right. lulu for $5. This sucker fetched me $60 on kijiji. I posted it and had someone come the very same day (and about 20 replies). Of course, I could have kept it for myself, but I was much happier with my $55 profit.

My friend who is connected to MCC said there is great debate amongst workers at their stores. Do you upsell brand name items to make more of a profit, or do you just price it like everything else to get it out the door? I asked about dropping off donations, and they currently can't accept any more doantions as they have received so many in the first month of being open they don't have any more room. So at that point, I think, yes, you do price it competitively just to get it out the door. Whereas, at a place like Value Village, where they have way more space and a broader clientele, they can price brand name items higher.Or it could have simply boiled down to the person in the backroom not knowing what lulu was. Who knows. I just know it was a great score! And an extra $55 in my pocket!

I picked up these capris last week. I was in serious need of some capris. And voila! Brand new, with tags on, from Reitmans. Original price $44. I picked them up for $9. Perfecto!

I have been dying to get back into the world of skirts. I no longer had any skirts that fit me, so I needed something new. And voila, in one shopping trip I found these two skirts, for $4 and $5. Truth be told, the one on the left is a Thyme Maternity skirt. I seriously don't know a soul who would have fit into this skirt pregnant, but whatever, it fits me perfectly (not pregnant, just to clarify). I'm also a huge fan of the Refuge Clothing skirt on the right. Its super cute on, and my current fave right now. 

I also picked up this Old Navy dress. I love it, and may keep it, but it really is for a smaller busted woman. Now as I look at the picture, I can see that, but I was just so dazzled by the criss-cross back and the beads, and the fun pattern. Overall its a great dress, just wish it fit me a ltitle better. We'll see. $5.

I've also picked up some fun non-clothing items. This butterfly platter was 50 cents. This will be perfect for birthday parties and school parties for years to come.

This backpack will be perfect for Abbi in a few years. Its in great condition. And super cute. $3.

One week I bought Abbi along with me (you gotta train 'em young) and got her some new summer items. Her hand-me-down stream has really slowed in recent years, so I find I need to stock her up each season. Where better to do it than at a thrift store? And can you really go wrong when you pay for $10 for 5 super cute pieces in great condition? I think not!

As if the pattern on this dress isn't ridiculously adorable. And it fits Abbi perfectly.  

Amanda, I can see Gabrielle rocking this little number in a few years, can't you?

So there you have it. I'm pretty excited about my new thrift store. And with prices like these, I can visit regularly enough to score some great deals.