Every day my feed is full of articles about thrift and consignment. Obviously, with what I do for a living, the great AI gods have determined that I need this information. The bulk of the articles, however, is about one thing, and one thing only: how to score big at thrift and consignment stores. These articles tout the best hidden gems to look for because they have surprising value. They laud items that can be sold for big money on sights like eBay and The RealReal. While I appreciate learning about these hidden treasures, for me at least, thrift is not all about what it’s worth.
Thrift Is Not Just About What It’s Worth. It’s About Function.
If I need a mixing bowl (because I happened to drop my big one on the kitchen floor the other day, oops), I need a mixing bowl. If I find a vintage Pyrex one at a consignment store that’s just the right size, at a price that I think is reasonable, I consider it a score. I am not using Google Lens (see my blog on this) to find out how much this bowl is worth. When I need an end table for a rather tight spot and I find a pretty and well-constructed one… you guessed it. A basic, black skirt? Don’t even get me started (or read my blog where I talk about it). Thrift purchases can give you great function at a great price. Period.
Thrift Is Not Just About What It’s Worth. It’s About Quirkiness.
I have the vintage glove mold above at my kitchen sink to hold a dish towel. My Dad made the base for it after I brought it home from The Brimfield Antiques Show one year (see my blog on outdoor antique shows, if you’re curious). My kids call this baby the “disembodied hand.” I think that they think it’s a little creepy. I think it’s quirky. It’s a conversation piece; it makes me smile. I realize that it’s not for everyone, but that’s the point. And that’s one of the things that makes thrifting so fun. You can find your quirky. Whether it’s a vintage glove mold or a 6 foot tall, metal giraffe (yup, I had one of those in my garden for awhile too) thrift and consignment stores like Consignments Ltd., are rife with quirky.
Thrift Is Not Just About What It’s Worth. It’s About Things That Speak To Your Heart.
Yes, you can find incredibly valuable things for a song at thrift and consignment stores, if you know what you’re doing or just get lucky. But more often than not, the real finds are items that speak to your heart. It could be the vase, in just the right shade of blue, or a piece of art that reminds you of that trip you took to Provence. It could be a hand-made quilt like the one your Grammy made that went to another member of the family when she passed or a Whiting & Davis handbag that reminds you of your Auntie Mary. It’s worth your time and patience to shop these stores with open eyes and an open heart. It’s the very best part of thrift and consignment shopping.
I hope you keep shopping thrift for more than just the money.
2 Comments
Dale Fink
January 21, 2025 at 10:22 amFor me, selling at consignment is also about the environment. When we have an estate passed down to us, and can’t keep or use it all, consignment passes our treasures along to someone who may need or love it for a second time. This is a far better outcome than the landfill. Much goes to charities, but the better things are saved for consignment. As a retired designer, I am fond of decorating, but I am also a functional minimalist. Buying at consignment lets me play with good quality decor and pass it on when my style evolves without accumulating too much stuff. I love your business…all the best to you!
mariannes
January 23, 2025 at 6:49 amThank you, Dale. We love having you as a customer and a reader.