6 Reasons to Shop Our Stores

1. It’s the eco-friendly option

We live in a disposable society. I mean, think about it: How many of us throw away one-time use coffee cups or food containers on an almost daily basis? Textile production (or really any kind of production) is pretty tough on the environment. I read recently that it takes about 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton shirt! Even recycling takes an immense amount of energy and water to complete. Thrift stores are awesome because they create a community network that limits waste, reduces resource consumption, and provides most people with the clothes, furniture, and other items they need.

How many gallons of water do you think it takes to make a book?

2. You’re supporting programs that help our community

All the proceeds from sales at St. Vincent de Paul’s Thrift Stores go directly toward helping people right here in Louisville. That couch? It paid for a tutoring session for our kids at the Family Success Center. Those shirts? They helped cover unexpected repairs at the Ozanam Inn Men’s Shelter. If you want to see your money at work, take a walk around campus, because it is everywhere!

3. It saves a ton of money

I recently bought an essentially new Anne Taylor Suit at a thrift store for $10. This item would have cost me a minimum of $250 if I had gone to the mall and bought a new one. I know that when a lot of people think of thrift shops their minds immediately go to shoulder-pads and that scratched-up dresser with mismatched handles. That’s just not the way it is! At St. Vincent de Paul, our volunteers pride themselves on having high standards. So keep an open mind! You can find great stuff at a fraction of the price you would pay at a department store.

4. Sometimes, you get lucky

Not only can you save money, sometimes, if you get really lucky, you can actually make money from a trip to a thrift store. It happens all the time; people will acquire some old piece of furniture, clothing, or collectible without realizing its value. Many of these items make their way to thrift shops. If you have a good eye for antiques, know a lot about musical instruments, or are a part-time fashionista, keep your eyes peeled! You never know what you what treasures you will find!

Good thing I am not buying all this at retail price!

5. You’re not supporting companies with unethical labor practices

Have you ever heard of voting with your dollar? I think a lot of us are uncomfortable with the way the way that many big-box stores treat their employees. The best way to show these companies that this is unacceptable is to withhold our business from them. But how do we do that? I certainly don’t have time to make my own clothes and furniture, and paying for hand-made items that are produced by local artists is not a feasible option for most of us. This is why I love shopping at thrift shops! It is one of the easiest ways to dismantle the system that allows big businesses to oppress people near and far.

6. We have two convenient locations

Looking for something specific? Follow us on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram to get updates on the hottest new items as we display them. That way you know where to find exactly what you are looking for! Join us in our stores this weekend for some extra savings, or ask about making a donation of your gently used items. Be part of the sustainable, ethically responsible community we are working to create at St. Vincent de Paul!