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From a $5 steal to a copy of the Declaration of Independence, thrift stores are a local gem for surrounding communities. And once you’re in the know, you’re likely to keep coming back for more.
“Thrifting” is an action, just as “thrifty” is a quality and “thrift” means a secondhand purchase or the act of thrifting. Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes “thrifty” as “thriving by industry and frugality.”
Wherever you live in the New River Valley, it’s likely you have a thrift shop in close proximity. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter who enjoys the thrill of the hunt or a newbie to the world of thrifting, finding a few of your favorites is well worth your time.
There are many reasons one might choose to thrift. For many, it’s a savvy way to make dollars stretch farther. For others, it’s a big treasure hunt. The thrill of the chase is something that keeps people returning. Some use thrifting as an opportunity to find high-end brands at cheap prices.
According to Capital One, 16 to 18 percent of Americans thrift shop, and $53 billion in revenue comes from the secondhand market. They also report that clothes are the number one thrifted item, followed by books, furniture and décor.
History of Thrift Stores
First established in the 19th century, thrift stores in the U.S. were founded by religious organizations like the Salvation Army to offer a hand to waves of immigrants coming into American cities. Goodwill opened its first store in 1902, and 33 years later there were almost 100 Goodwill stores. The stigma behind thrifting and secondhand shopping began to wear off as younger generations caught on to the trend.
Today, thrift stores are an essential part of the fabric of the United States. There are more than 25,000 thrift shops, according to CapitalOne. USA Today reports on the “best” cities for thrifting. New York City hits the top on their list, followed by Newark and Los Angeles.
Local Thrift Stores
Many thrift stores operate for charity, another reason to give your hard-earned money to these shops. One example is MCEAP (Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, pronounced affectionately as McKeep or McKeeps). It has deep roots in the community with two locations in Christiansburg and one in Blacksburg.
The furniture portion of MCEAP, just off Roanoke Street in Christiansburg, has been faithfully serving NRV residents for six years. “We’re a step-up, not a hand-out,” Monty Thompson, manager of the home store MCEAP, explains. The wider organization opened in 1975, putting families back on the road to self-sufficiency. They take donations from residents and are completely volunteer based. Proceeds lend a hand to families who qualify.
The store boasts an expansive collection of household furniture in the front room, and also offers books, sports gear and more. “We receive pretty much everything from coffee mugs to furniture and things people didn’t want to take to the landfill,” Monty explains.
Margie Vitale is the manager of the original location on Main Street in Christiansburg. That thrift store is focused on household items, plus jewelry, antiques, clothing, decor, books, board games and more. “People are very generous,” Margie states. Last year, MCEAP brought in $450,000 in revenue between their three stores. They see this revenue only as an opportunity to graciously give a step up to more fellow NRVers.
Local resident Stacey Wilkin is a consistent thrifter. Her go-to thrift shops are Second Time Around and Treasure Trove, often going weekly. “I thrift because it’s fun and kind of like a treasure hunt. I find something new every time,” she says.
Lions’ Club
The Pulaski County Flea Market holds large events biannually at the New River Valley Fairgrounds. Its proceeds go to the Dublin Lions’ Club, which in turn pours money into charitable efforts and investing in the community.
In its 50th year, this flea market has more than 20,000 visitors and 800 vendor spaces. Swing by and try a famed “Lion Dog” or look into the opportunity to become a vendor yourself.
Thrift Store Finds
In 2014, a Vince Lombardi sweater was bought for 14 cents at a Goodwill. When the couple realized what it was, they sold it for $43,020.
In 2013, a Chinese cup made from the horn of a rhinoceros sold for $75,000 after being bought for $4 at a thrift shop.
And if you think that’s impressive–seven years earlier, a copy of the Declaration of Independence made by John Quincy Adams sold for almost $500,000.
Thrift stores are becoming increasingly trendy as shoppers find bang for their buck, a way to stretch dollars, and a thriving sense of community. National Thrift Store Day is August 17. Grab a friend or two and take a drive throughout the NRV. Who know what you’ll find?
Some Local Thrift Shops, charity-driven
MCEAP
Virginia Tech YMCA
Thrift Well (supports the Well at Eagles’ Nest Regeneration)
Second Time Around (supports SPCA)
Treasure Trove (supports Warm Hearth Village)
Goodwill (three locations in the NRV)
ReStore for Habitat for Humanity
Pulaski County Lions’ Club Flea Market
June 7 and 8, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sept. 13 and 14, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
NRV Fairgrounds, Dublin
Text by Caitlyn Koser
