"Hidden" treasures of a different sort....

[Big Daddy Audio]

How many great finds have you had in which the item you find was not where it "should" have been (e.g. - a new set of La Perla underwear in your size with tags, but in with the dish towels)?  I often wonder how these "mistakes in location" came to be, and if there was some underhandedness involved.  I also wonder if I'm missing a great thing by not scouring everywhere throughout the store.

Anyone else ever think about this?

That is all.

[nicejewishgirl]

I often check out the children's clothing section just because the thrift store people make mistakes in sizing.  I've found numerous cashmere sweaters in my size this way.  I always look around on all the shelves because I think some people pick an item up, debate whether or not to purchase it, and then just leave it elsewhere in the store.  I've found lots of great things this way.

[Other People s Junk]

I try to see as much of the stores as I can, for just this reason!  Off hand I can't think of any specific examples...  but I know I have gotten some neat things that were out of area.

[eddieb]

I try to see as much of the stores as I can, for just this reason!  Off hand I can't think of any specific examples...  but I know I have gotten some neat things that were out of area.

 i look EVERYWHERE... there are some sneeky people that hide stuff too!

it's funny because i use that same approach when i go record shopping...because there are certain sections i check for dance records that are "miscategorized" and often i find records that i think other people hide in different sections... LOL

[Jay2TheRescue]

I try to see as much of the stores as I can, for just this reason!  Off hand I can't think of any specific examples...  but I know I have gotten some neat things that were out of area.

 i look EVERYWHERE... there are some sneeky people that hide stuff too!

it's funny because i use that same approach when i go record shopping...because there are certain sections i check for dance records that are "miscategorized" and often i find records that i think other people hide in different sections... LOL

That reminds me of a few months ago when my local Goodwill had a midnight madness sale.  Everything in the store was 50% off.  A week before the sale you started to see a lot of stuff hidden in the wrong area, and in the back of shelves.  Just for spite if I found something that was obviously stashed I moved it.     Yeah, Evil Jay comes out to play at the thrift stores sometimes.  Evil Jay may be evil, but he has never stashed items to purchase later at a discount.  He still has honor...

-Jay

[Mattie]

This is called "putting something on hideaway."  Unlike layaway, in which you make a small down payment in exchange for a retail store holding an item for you, hideaway is a risky maneuver in which you tuck a thrift-store item in an unlikely spot until you can 1) come back with enough cash to buy it, or 2) decide if you really want it.  It's risky because your fellow thrifters also practice hideaway and are therefore always searching for good hiding spots as well as other people's hidden items.  We all do it.   

[Big Daddy Audio]

I don't do "hideaway."  I either buy it or I don't.  Even if I take the item from the shelf and then later decide not to take it, I'll put the item back where it belongs.  I guess this comes from me being somewhat OCD. 

I suppose this could work, but then, the store would be just one huge rummage, and not much fun for speed thrifters like myself.

That is all.

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

Like the rest of you, I check out everything too.

I found a spelter Victorian mirror once in with the Tupperware.

Leave no shelf unturned! :-)

[Vintage Soul]

I often check out the children's clothing section just because the thrift store people make mistakes in sizing.  I've found numerous cashmere sweaters in my size this way.  I always look around on all the shelves because I think some people pick an item up, debate whether or not to purchase it, and then just leave it elsewhere in the store.  I've found lots of great things this way.

Same here. It's worth it to look everywhere.

[Sibella]

I often un-hide stuff. It's the same compulsion that sent me to library school.

I will declare here, though, that one of the thrifting things that makes me most angry--besides grouchy staffers and dirty pocket contents--is finding "minus-size" clothing in the plus-size racks. I'm a peaceful woman, but it makes me want to throw things. Perhaps I have issues....

[slpwendy]

I agree about finding little tiny sizes in with the pluses (OK we all have our issues) BUT....I have also found that many stores put the Chico's stuff, which is sized 1-2-3 (I SO love wearing a size 3 LOL) in with the plus sizes - guess they think its 1x, etc.  Found some great jackets for re-sale and gifting!

[Thrift Shop Romantic]

I once found an elaborate Victorian spelter handmirror in... the Plastics aisle at the Goodwill, in among ice cube trays and plastic platters.

Yup-- you're all quite right, it's absolutely worth a look everywhere! Ya never know!

[eddieb]

hilarious. i find myself doing that as well...although i'm a strange one- sometimes i'll really read into their motivation for hiding it and there have been a couple times that i felt bad and just put it back right where i found it...

I often un-hide stuff. It's the same compulsion that sent me to library school.

I will declare here, though, that one of the thrifting things that makes me most angry--besides grouchy staffers and dirty pocket contents--is finding "minus-size" clothing in the plus-size racks. I'm a peaceful woman, but it makes me want to throw things. Perhaps I have issues....

[alexandra]

I look through it all for all the reasons already mentioned.  Plus, the staff sizes/tags stuff incorrectly.  Since I love polo's and oxfords, I'd be a fool not to check out the men's section.  I found a really nice Nine-West purse sitting on a couch.  At first, I thought a customer left their own purse there. Then I found the tag and promptly purchased it.

I feel bad because I know I often carry an item around, then decide I don't want it.  I try to reshop it in with the right colors, but since I am colorblind I am certain I've messed that up!

I refashion or recycle items, so you never know what will pop out at you to be repurposed if you don't open yourself up to the whole experience!

Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com

[eddieb]

you shouldn't feel bad... i think that is fair... a woman has a right to change her mind!

well i think boys can play on this one too...

I feel bad because I know I often carry an item around, then decide I don't want it.  I try to reshop it in with the right colors, but since I am colorblind I am certain I've messed that up!



Thriftily,
Alexandra
www.livingwithoutmoney.blogspot.com