Recently my sister in law posted this picture on her Facebook wall with the caption, “Before Buy and Sell on Facebook there was Iver’s”.
To many of you, this looks like an old rotten shed that either needs some serious attention or needs to be torn down. To me…this was my childhood shopping center of sorts. I can tell you the exact layout in the inside of the store. I can look at picture of myself as a child and tell you clothes that I bought there.
I’ve told you time and time that I am a thrifter. I love thrift store, Goodwill, and just “previously used” shopping in general. That love came from my mom because she was the same way too. Growing up in the Depression, my mom learned thriftiness the hard way…but from there, I think she just found thrifting to be something she loved.
This shed housed one of my favorite thrifting places that we went to when I was a child. It was a consignment shop..not upscale enough enough to be expensive so many a deal came from this little store just outside of Waseca, Minnesota…another favorite of ours was “The Lady Bug” outside of Ellendale, Minnesota.
If we chose to, Hubby and I could afford what we want by buying things new…but why? In my area we have amazing thrift stores…and I love it!! It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world to walk into a store and know that whatever is in it, I can easily afford.
It used to be fun to take our oldest girls shopping in Waterloo or Rochester..but now, why bother? We can go to LaCrosse or Mason City now too. I get no excitement from it. Each JcPenny’s has the same merchandise and many even the same layout. How boring. I can go from store to store in the mall and see only the same “in style” items only in slightly different color or print. Thrifting to me is like gambling. Some days, I have a bag full..some days nothing…some days fabric…some days shirts for Hubby. One thing is for certain..it is NEVER the same each day.
I know a lot of people who don’t like thrifting saying it takes so much time. I am so lucky that the thrift stores in our area are well organized and very clean.
I am so happy my mom introduced me to thrifting…it’s one of my favorite hobbies.
I know!! I know!! All the same stuff everywhere in the pennys, targets, walmart, kmart, sears, etc.!! But when you go to a second hand store, suddenly you have many more choices from many more years. Many more colors and hues, too, not just whatever has been chosen by a team of designers for this year.
Come to think of it, this is why thrift stores have always been so popular (besides the prices.)
I so agree with you!!! I get some wonderful items at them, some are vintage and others are namebrand clothes that I would never pay the original price for. I love shopping at thrift stores!!!!
There is no better thrill than to get something for a deal. I love thrifting, auctions, garage sales…..its the excitement of the hunt and the thrill of a great deal!
i do lots of my shopping at thrift stores and it is so true, sometimes you come out with a bag full and other times nothing! Every once in awhile i go to a regular store and think OMG they want how much for a pair of jeans….i think not…i’ll get them for $3 or $4 at the good will!
I’m with you!! Love thrifting and the hunt!! :o)))
P
You need to visit Manchester (Iowa). We have 5 thrift stores and a great quilt shop!
Not only do I love thrift stores, but my all time favorite is the as is per pound goodwill store. I Pay Pennies for my items.
Jo, I don’t know if you have time to read your comments. I have 2 pieced tops that I would be happy to donate to any cause that you would feel appropriate. Please let me know if you are interested.
Jo—you are just the most together woman–money doesn’t run your life….