Caroline Huffman: a sophomore in accounting, shops at The Mission Thrift Store near the mall. Kyle Cooper / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Thrift stores and gently used clothing stores are creating alternate shopping choices for college students.
From Plato’s Closet to Goodwill stores, students can find a cheap alternative for nearly anything. They can create their own looks and get good deals on all kinds of clothes.
“In Auburn, downtown stores all have the same thing,” said Lauren Bragg, a senior in apparel merchandising. “Every girl you know will have the same outfit.”
Bragg said she sometimes shops downtown, but she likes expressing her individuality through what she wears.
“The experience is so much fun,” Bragg said. “You get excited when you have something that no one else has or that is really cheap.”
Goodwill in Auburn has just closed, but there are thrift stores in Valley and Phenix City that offer the same clothes and bargains.
“We do get a lot of college students in our store,” said Chuck Amos, a sales clerk at the Valley Goodwill. “Our store picks up a lot of stuff from estate sales.”
Amos said a lot of the stuff has a vintage look, from the jewelry to the clothes.
Thrift stores offer opportunities to find costumes or fun clothes to wear.
“The times I have been were for costumes,” said Lindsey Bryant, a senior in marketing. “I look for fun outfits to wear to sorority functions or for Halloween.”
Bryant said shopping at thrift stores for parties is great because one may only wear an outfit once and not want to pay a lot for it.
“There are so many things you can find,” Bragg said. “You have to go in with an open mind and be willing to search and think outside the box. It may take a little work, but it’s worth it.”
Stores like Plato’s Closet offer good deals on “gently used” clothing.
Jerry Schoenherr, owner of Plato’s Closet, said most people who come in know what they want and know their style. He said his store has good prices for the college budget.
“We still do get people looking for unique pieces,” Schoenherr said. “Some are looking to create a one-of-a-kind look that is just for them.”
Bragg said shopping at these stores just makes sense. She said every weekend you want to wear something different, and it can get expensive buying a new outfit for every different occasion.
“Recycling clothes not only saves money, but gives clothes to people who will wear them,” Bragg said.
Bragg said not only do the stores offer different clothing options, but they put money back into the community when you shop at them.
Whether looking for an entire outfit, a fun costume or a unique piece of jewelry, the options are endless.
“It’s always the best when you get a compliment,” Bragg said. “To say you got a great outfit or piece of jewelry from a thrift store when someone asks is always my favorite thing.”
