5 Valuable Things to Look Out for at Thrift Stores

By
Home Stager with Healthyhappyimpactful.com

Thrift stores are known to be a treasure trove of unique and valuable items, but not everyone knows what to look out for. It can be overwhelming sorting through the shelves of random products to find something of value that you want to take home. In this article, we've compiled a list of five unbelievable thrift store finds to look out for on your next thrift store haul.

Designer Clothes

Thrift stores are the best place to find high-end fashion pieces at a fraction of the original cost. Keep an eye out for clothing with designer labels such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, or Gucci. These designer pieces can be worth a lot of money, especially if they are in good condition.

Designer clothes and accessories are investment items that are great to resell.

Antique Jewelry

While some thrift stores may not have a large selection of jewelry, you shouldn't underestimate the jewelry section at your local thrift store. If you take a closer look, you might find a few hidden gems. Keep an eye out for jewelry made from precious metals like gold or silver and adorned with precious stones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies. Also check for any hallmarks or stamps indicating authenticity.

Antique Furniture

While you may not be able to find a full dining set or sectional sofa at the thrift store, it's still a great place to find unique furniture pieces. You can often find high-quality furniture at a fraction of the cost of buying new. When buying furniture at thrift stores, look out for well-made pieces made from solid wood, like oak or mahogany. Smaller items like antique desks, chairs, and dressers with unique details or carved accents can be valuable.

Rare Vinyl Records

Vinyl records are trending right now, and collectors are always on the lookout for rare albums. You never know what you might find if you take a closer look at the stacks of records at the thrift store. While they may be a lot to sort through, look out for rare or limited edition vinyls from your favorite artists. Rare vinyl records can be worth a lot of money, especially if they are in good condition or have special edition pressings or signatures from the artist.

Silverware

Silver is a metal that tarnishes quickly, so the untrained eye may not recognize the value of silverware at thrift stores. But pieces made from real silver, and are in good condition are a great find at thrift stores. Once polished, they can be worth a lot of money on the resale market or can be upcycled and repurposed.

Thrift stores are a great place to find unique and valuable items at a fraction of their original cost. So, the next time you're in the mood for some thrifting, keep an eye out for these ten unbelievable thrift store finds.

Comments (3)

Kathy Schowe
California Lifestyle Realty - La Quinta, CA
La Quinta, California 760-333-8886

We have lots of interesting thrift and consignment shops in the Palm Springs area-- I love taking a day and hitting several of them.  Especially when I have something in mind like a special piece of furniture or accent piece.  Art is a big seller here too!

Aug 23, 2023 10:18 AM
Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Some thrift stores can be real treasure troves if you know what you are looking for. I have a friend who shops at the store every day the new inventory is put out.

Aug 23, 2023 05:59 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Great stuff, Jennifer, although I have to admit I am more likely to be a donor that a buyer when it comes to thrift stores.

Sep 20, 2023 05:18 PM