Second Chance thrift store in Glastonbury, Conn.
By Samantha Fournier
Saving money is always on the frugal student’s mind and new to the Berlin Turnpike is the chain thrift store Savers, which opens Thursday the 25.
Inside Savers you’ll find racks upon racks of sized, gently used clothes priced around five dollars. The Savers in Manchester is stocked with home goods such as plates and decorations, as well as entertainment such as shelves of books, CDs, and electronic items at cheaper prices than they are sold at any department store.
Just like the easy-to-navigate Savers, Goodwill is also located off of the Berlin Turnpike and has a lot to offer shoppers looking for a bargain. Goodwill is set up like a Marshall’s and sells new as well as gently used items. iPod speakers, a Louis Vuitton purse, and many new pairs of Soffe-like shorts were seen for sale at this Goodwill store. There was also a large home department which had blenders, TV’s, unused sheets and kitchen sets for sale. Goodwill is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Savers and Goodwill are not the only thrift stores in the area that benefit the community. The Salvation Army is well known for its community aid. Sadly the Salvation Army in West Hartford would only inspire the need to throw an ugly sweater party. Most of the clothes at the Salvation Army are organized by color not size, so thrifty shoppers need to be willing to look through unsized clothing racks. Like Goodwill the Salvation Army did have a sizable home section with hutches, retro-looking couches and kitchenware for sale. The Salvation Army is open 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Also in West Hartford is The Clothes Horse located off of Park Road. The Clothes Horse has a variety of items for sale from clothing hung on circular racks, to accessories such as purses, to books and magazines confined to a more intimate setting that’s easier to search through. The Clothes Horse is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Church Mouse Thrift Shoppe is another smaller store with vintage bags and dresses for sale priced from 20 to 30 dollars. Despite its size, this shop is filled with a good selection of merchandise including household items, ladies business wear and outerwear. Saturdays are 50 percent off all merchandise. It should also be noted that aside from the fact that the blue version of Deb’s prom dress (from Napoleon Dynomite) can be found here, this store has an assortment of new looking special occasion dresses. The Church Mouse Thrift Shoppe is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Whether you choose to shop at department stores, online, chain stores, or at thrift stores, visiting these stores is more than worth a trip whether its to purchase something that fits your budget or just to browse the racks and let nostalgia of the ’80s wash over you.
