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Chosen by The Cheap Chick
One In, One Out
I have a clothes shopping rule that has served me and my over-stuffed closets well. Every time I bring a new item into my closet, I have to donate something from my closet (or consign it, if I think the item will sell). One item in, one item out. That way, I never have to buy new hangers! Well, okay, that’s not the real reason. That way, I alway know what is lurking in the depths of my closets, and stuff isn’t just being shoved to the back to make way for the new. If I’m not wearing something, someone else could.
So wear do I donate? It depends on time, volume, and whether or not I need a coupon. Typically, I’m pressed for time, so I drop my donations off at the Goodwill in Roseville, which I pass my way to work. If I want a coupon for my next thrift store shopping spree, I donate to Savers. Also, if I have a ton of stuff to donate, I’ll typically go to Savers – either in Columbia Heights or Bloomington.
And if I want to consign, and I have the time, I hit up Nu Look Consignment in Minneapolis (call to see if you need an appointment first). If I’m consigning on the fly, it’s either Clothes Mentor or Turn Style in Roseville.
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Summer Second-hand Sales
Now. Say that ten times fast.
The month of July is the best time to save on summer gear like shorts, sandals and swim suits. However, you can increase your savings exponentially if you hit the summer sales at your favorite thrift and consignment stores. And since there is still two-thirds of the summer left, you can enjoy your new-to-you purchases right now.
The biggest and the best sale, in my opinion, is Nu Look Consignment’s 50% Off Semi-Annual Sale. On Thursday, July 12th, EVERYTHING in the store is marked 50% off. High-end designer products, denim, kids clothes, men’s clothes, shoes, jewelry, everything will be HALF of its already low price. Get there when the doors open at 9 AM. Nu Look is on 50th and Penn in Minneapolis.
Another summer blowout sale is going on right now at your local Clothes Mentor consignment store. Their summer clearance sale started early, back on June 22nd. However, there is still plenty of summer merchandise available. Look for the yellow-tagged merchandise and get 50% off.
TIP: If you’d like to know the latest and greatest sales information for your favorite consignment store, like Nu Look or Clothes Mentor, sign up for their email newsletter at their websites.
For the thrift store shoppers, check out your nearest Goodwill July 12th through the 14th. All their tanks, sleeveless tops, shorts, capris, sandals, flip flops and swimsuits will be on sale, 50% off (half off seems to be the magic sale number).
And if you REALLY want to save big, visit one of ARC Value Villages’ four convenient locations on Sunday for their tag sales. On Sunday, items with a certain colored tag are just 99 cents. That’s practically FREE. For example, on July 8, 2012, everything with a green tag is 99 cents.
If you’re looking to clear out your closets, hold off on bringing in your summer clothes right now. Most consignment stores won’t accept them, and if they do, they won’t put them out for sale until next year. However, now is the time to unload your fall and winter items – either as a donation or for resale. For example, Nu Look starts accepting cold weather gear for consignment as early as July. And Turn Style Consignment stores will take your sweaters and so forth at the beginning of August.
ONE LAST TIP: If you want to know the latest and greatest summer sales event, download the SaleLocator app for free, or log on to SaleLocator.com. Search by your zip code for the sales in your area.