Shopping at thrift stores can be an adventure and save you lots of money. It is a great feeling when you find a treasure. I was introduced to thrifting by my mom and her best friend in my twenties when I needed to stock my first apartment. I fully embraced it when my kids were little and went through clothes so quickly. Since they out grow clothing in warp speed, you can usually find items that still look new. Buying second-hand clothes can also save you money when you are in between sizes.
We also went through a time when our kids and dogs wreaked havoc on our couches. Eventually we figured out we could find a decent couch at the Goodwill for less than $30 and then replace it as needed. We finally grew out of that phase, but it was better than destroying a super expensive couch.
Here are eight tips to keep in mind when you are thrift shopping around Henry County.
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Shop with intention
To avoid collecting "stuff" versus finding a bargain on things you need, prepare a list of items you need to complete your wardrobe or specific things you need for decorating or repurposing. Inventory your wardrobe to see what colors your missing or what pieces of clothing you need. Then go to the thrift store with the purpose of searching for those items. You can also create a look book in Pinterest with styles you like or an outfit you’d like to recreate. This also works for room design. Identify what furniture or décor is needed in your space and search for those items. Do you have an empty wall that needs a good piece of art? Is you son's room in need of a dresser. Shop with those things in mind. In other words, go with purpose and intention.
Plan your visit around the stocking schedule
Find out when the stores restock and go on that day or the following day. Thrift stores are busiest over the weekend, so plan your trip on, or right after, stocking day. Find out your store’s mark down day. Most stores mark their sale items on a specific day. Goodwill changes it’s color of the week on Sundays. Some offer a senior or military a discount on a specific day. Stack these discounts with coupons and bring the grandparents on senior day!
Stick to a budget
This tip goes along with "go with purpose." Have a set budget to keep you from making impulsive purchases. Bring cash and leave the credit cards at home.
Try clothes on
You'll want to make sure the clothes fit because you typically cannot return them. Be sure to dress in clothes that are easy to layer in case the dressing rooms are closer. In the case of children’s clothes, thrifting can save you lots of money.
Be picky. Look for quality
Choose items that are well-made, made of good materials, and are reputable brands when possible. Choose natural fabrics like wool, leather, silk, linen, and cotton. Inspect for holes, stains, and wear and tear. Learn how to spot hard wood furniture, natural materials, and quality fabrics and construction.
Know your style
Know what looks good on you and what designs you need to stay away from. I never get items with horizontal stripes or big bulky pockets on the hips. I choose scoop neck or V-neck tops and A-line dresses to accentuate my assets and keep the eye looking up away from my trouble spots. Likewise, have a sense for what style and aesthetic you want in your home and stick to pieces that fit within your look. Just because you like chickens, nautical, and jungle themed items, doesn't mean they should all decorating your home. (True Story)
Shop off season for the best deals
Look for that winter coat in the summer. You’ll have a good selection and the best prices.
Come prepared
Bring hand sanitizer, gloves, a mask, your list of items you're searching for, measurements, and a tape measure. Be sure to take measurements of the spaces you are looking to purchase a piece of furniture for, so you know if it will fit in your space before buying it and lugging it home.
My bonus tip is shop with a friend and have fun! Now that you are prepared for your next shopping excursion, here are some local thrift stores and antique stores around Henry County to check out.
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Thrift Stores, Antique Stores, and Donation Centers Near Henry County
- Blessings Thrift Store is located at 18 Depot Street, McDonough. Proceeds support Haven House, domestic violence center and program. Gently used donations are accepted
ONLY on Tuesdays starting at 9am. The store is open Tuesday – Saturday | 9 am-4:30 pm. - Christian Woman's Center Thrift Store has two stores in Griffin which support the work of the Women's Crisis Center.
- Thrift Store at 1649 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
(between Belk and Big Lots in North Griffin Shopping Center)
(770) 412-8542 - Thrifty by Design Boutique at 1655 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
(between Belk and Big Lots in North Griffin Shopping Center)
(678) 603-1282 Donations can be dropped off at the stores on Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday from 9:00am – 4:30pm- They pick up large furniture donations. To schedule a pickup, please call (770) 412-8542
- Thrift Store at 1649 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
- Goodwill has three local stores at
- 250 Jonesboro Road, McDonough
- 3871 GA-138, Stockbridge
- 1424 N. Expressway, Griffin
- Planter's Walk Antique Mall
- 751 Jackson Street, Locust Grove
- Antiques and hidden treasures, furniture, and more
- The Grove Depot
- 236 Cleveland Street, Locust Grove
- Modern to Antiques and everything in between, slightly used furniture, decor, and more
- Thrifty Treasures is located just outside downtown at 536 Macon Street, McDonough featuring new and second-hand household goods, clothing, jewelry, furniture, etc.
- Open Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm
- 678-782-7283
- Salvation Army has three local stores at
- 401 Racetrack Road, McDonough
- 228 N. Expressway, Griffin
- 178 N. Benton Street, Jackson
