Thrift stores are like chain stores and like other forms of business can be tied into location, location, location!  The major distribution centers for thrift stores offer a variety of merchandise and since many are centrally located in urban areas or near colleges and universities, items can run the gamut from expensive furniture and art selections to an abundant apparel selection.  Increase customer traffic in these densely populated areas can spell more frequent visits and on-the-spot decision-making to secure a "find" for the bargain hunter.  Additionally, in urban areas you will find thrift store "outlets" where the customer can buy merchandise by the pound or the bag.  These outlets will have a greater apparel selection than other merchandise, and in some cases you will have to literally dig for your bargains.

Suburban thrift stores can offer more decorative designer items especially in furniture, rugs, and home accessories.  These stores tend to be smaller  and newer as thrift stores expand their suburban markets,   Among bargain hunters, thrift stores are known for the finds that can be found in each which varies according to the clientele.  You will find competitors such as antique dealers and flea market vendors checking out the merchandise on a regular basis during the week, especially on certain days of the week such as Thursdays when new merchandise is put on the floor for the weekend crowd. 

There is a new genre emerging in thrift stores and that is the upscale thrift store carrying only designer apparel, jewelry and accessories, and original art work.  Catering to a clientele that loves designer goods at bargain prices–not necessarily rock bottom prices–who love the idea of being green by buying recycle goods that are fashionable and sport designer labels.  These stores rival consignment stores and. in fact, the one that MDM found in Minneapolis is located in an area of boutiques and designer consignment stores.

Second Début-Goodwill Boutique
4300 West 36 1/2 Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 922-9640
(google map)

Store Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

Second Début-Goodwill Boutique located in St. Louis Park, Minnesota is certainly a treasure hunter’s dream!  The store offers a variety of brand name apparel, shoes, and accessories as well as artwork.  Women’s apparel is somewhat limited in sizes (2 to 16/18), but offers a good variety of blouses, t-shirts, sweaters, pants, jeans, and fall and winter coats.  Prices generally range from $10 to $50, depending on the item.  Customers are welcomed with cookies and a beverage to help re-energize them after a  hard day’s shopping. 

Attached to the clothing section is a room entirely devoted to paintings, photographs, and other prints (pictured left).  Among the many artwork styles you may find here include: Contemporary, Classic, Asian, African, and New-Age.

There is also a collection which sells at the store or for auction on E-bay (featured right). 

MDM found an Interesting contemporary, art-deco piece by John P. Martineau called "Bird N’ Hand," which sold for $45 (left) and a lithograph signed and numbered of an old wooden barn. 

If you are fortunate to have specialty or theme thrift stores in your city, please visit them often to check out new merchandise and any special sales like the upcoming art sale in Minneapolis.  As MDM overheard one customer state that shopping thrift stores is fun since "you never know what you may find." 

Save the Date: October 16, 2007 (10am to 4pm)
Second Début of Minneapolis 2nd Art Sale

John P. Martineau, "Bird N’ Hand" (12 of 40 prints)

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