Mark your calendar: August 17 is National Thrift Shop Day! It’s the perfect time to discover hidden gems, refresh your style, and support our local community by shopping and donating with purpose. To help you thrift like a pro, here are expert-approved strategies to make the most of your Goodwill haul.
Know Where You’re Going
This one may seem a bit obvious, but before you go thrifting, you should know which stores you’re going to hit. Use our store locator to find your nearest Goodwill Central Texas location!
Plan Ahead, but Keep an Open Mind
Do a quick detour through your closet first to pinpoint what you truly need. But don’t head into the store with tunnel vision; many of the best finds are unexpected. Most thrift veterans advise that staying open to surprises often leads to discoveries you didn’t even know you wanted.
Take a Smart First Lap
Before grabbing a cart, Southern Living advises thrifters to do a quick scan of each section first. Explore thoroughly—sometimes the best finds are hidden behind more obvious ones. Be sure to check the aisle end caps and areas near the dressing rooms, because this is where people often leave items when they change their minds. Once you’ve scoped the scene, prioritize items you’ll actually love or use.
Use Your Senses (and Your Smartphone) to Assess Quality
Feel fabrics, check for tags, flip items over to look for maker’s marks or signs of quality. If something piques your interest but you’re unsure, snap a pic and do a reverse image search on Google. You can quickly assess value or origin right on your phone.
Inspect for Damages
Along those same lines, inspect your items carefully for any damages or issues before checking out. For textiles—especially bedding or clothing—look for stains, odors, or damage. According to specialists, some items, like mattresses, are best bought new (this is one reason we don’t accept donated mattresses at Goodwill). But beautiful vintage homeware, clothes, or collectibles? Go for it! Just be sure to inspect first.
Thrift with Joy, not Regret
If an item sparks a smile, it’s already a win. Thrifting is as much about capturing joy as it is about scoring bargains. Skip impulse buys that don’t call to you, even if they’re cheap. You’ll end up with a more meaningful haul that fits your life and space.
Make Every Day Thrift Shop Day
The fun doesn’t have to stop after August 17. At Goodwill Central Texas, every day is Thrift Shop Day! And that means each day brings new deals—like our Color Tag Wednesday, Furniture Friday, and Senior/Military/First Responder Discounts on Tuesdays. Check out Goodwill’s weekly schedule so you can spot premium bargains and shop strategically all year long.
How to Make the Most of Thrift Shop Day 2025
- Bring your reusable bags to simplify checkout and reduce waste.
- Donate any gently used items to support job coaching, workforce training, and community programs here in Central Texas. Be sure to pack those donations in your unwanted reusable bags to participate in our Together We Carry More Initiative!
- Share your finds on social media using #NationalThriftShopDay and let’s celebrate together!
This National Thrift Shop Day, make your trip intentional, inspired, and impactful. Whether you’re updating your closet, your home, or supporting your community, we look forward to seeing you Sunday, August 17 (and every day) at your nearest Goodwill. Happy thrifting!
