Thrift Stores
Athens has a myriad of thrift stores to keep you busy every weekend from now until the apocalypse. They feature everything from rare and hard to find items, to used furniture, clothes, and home wares, to good old fashion who-would-want-that? junk.You can also get rid of your unwanted stuff at many of these locations, most of which will offer a tax receipt for your donation to their 501(c) 3 charity. This week we’ll delve into a few of the thrift store treasure troves that Athens has to offer, and next week we’ll get to some more. For now, let’s check out:
America’s Best Thrift Store- This store is located in the Big Lots/Ingles shopping center and has mostly clothes but also features a small selection of housewares and accessories. Men’s, women’s, children’s and baby clothes are organized by size. They also sometimes have new items, such as luggage or bedding with the tags still on. Donation bins are located in the parking lot.
Project Safe Thrift Store-home of the “bag sale,” from time to time Project Safe offers customers the chance to fill a bag with clothes for one price. The store is in the Bell’s shopping center. They have a large book section in addition to a kid’s area, linens, kitchen aisle, and a rotating furniture selection. Proceeds benefit Project Safe domestic violence shelter, and you can leave donations at the store.
Goodwill of Northeast Georgia- You’ve probably been to a Goodwill store. Clothes are organized by color, and the Athens location (in the Athens Church shopping center) offers private dressing rooms if you choose to try on your selections. They also have a large section of housewares, dishes, toys, and a limited selection of furniture. Prices are usually low and inexplicably symmetrical ($3.73, $2.02, etc). Proceeds benefit the Goodwill Career Centers all over the state, providing job skills, resume writing, and job leads to the unemployed.
Check these stores regularly, as content is always changing. Some stores offer discounts on items that have been there longer. Feel free to try to bargain with employees if you don’t think something is priced right. Happy savings!
