Bebe’s Buying Tips
July
Expect to spend more time shopping than you would in a regular department store. Thrift store shopping is like a treasure hunt. The more willing you are to sift through a large quantity of items, the more likely you are to find “diamonds in the rough.”
Since we don’t have fitting rooms, we keep our clothing prices low. There are several ways of being more assured of a good fit when no fitting room is available. Some items can be tried on over clothing, such as blouses and jackets. Keep in mind that used clothing generally runs smaller than new clothing. This is because used clothing has usually experienced some shrinkage during washing, and new clothing sizes today run larger than clothing sizes several years ago. If pants do not have the size tag, measure your slacks at the waist on one side, then double this to get the waist size. A cashier will be happy to provide a tape measure. Most customers buy clothing in larger quantities, keeping those items that fit and re-donating or giving away clothing that doesn’t fit.
August
Did you know that in our thrift store, you can often buy an entire item for its parts more cheaply than you can buy the parts elsewhere? In other words, a blouse can be purchased for its unique buttons, even if you only want the buttons, for just $3. We sold a $10 table this week because the customer only wanted the glass top. Glass is expensive elsewhere, so this was a great find. He removed the glass and left the table behind. Lamp finials, bed finials, ornate woodwork on a headboard, etc. are often expensive to buy new. Consider buying an entire item when you are interested in some unique aspect of the merchandise. This is also the time for book lovers to come over and select their favorite book.
September
Be sure to check out our locked display cases for antiques, designer purses, crystal, and other high end or unusual items. A cashier will be happy to unlock the case for you.
October
Be on the lookout for new items you might want to tuck away as future gifts for birthdays, weddings, holidays, etc. Although you don’t need these items now, purchasing and storing them will save you time and money later, when the pressure is on to buy a gift right away. Just remember where you keep these “gift” items stored so they will be easily accessible when that special occasion comes up!
January
Every Thursday is Senior Day! Those 55 and up get a 20% discount on everything except furniture and previously discounted items.
February
If you are buying in bulk, spending in excess of $100, ask one of the managers or assistant managers if she might be willing to negotiate a discount, even if your items are not on sale. You never know! Sometimes when we have excess inventory we will provide a special discount for customers buying a large amount of merchandise.
March
For those interested in toys, Friday is “toy” day. We may stock toys on other days, depending on floor space, but we make a special effort to get our toys to the floor on Fridays. If you are interested in kid’s bikes or riding toys and we don’t have any in the store, ask an assistant manager if there are any in storage. And Grandmothers! Keeping a good supply of toys on hand is a great way to keep the grandkids busy and happy.
