I come from a big family. My mom was a SAHM. With only one income and a lot of mouths to feed, my parents were penny pinchers. That woman could make a whole chicken last forever! With all of this moderation, it was easy for me to do the same when Jason and I started our own family. One of my tricks was second hand stores.
Learning the Ins & Outs
At first I didnt know how to put my thrifty upbringing to productive use. Geez, I didnt know how to navigate the kitchen let alone the grocery stores or department stores! Mom always did that. Sure, I took accounting and bookkeeping classes in high school. (Yes, that was a requirement back then.) I knew how to balance a checkbook and pay bills, but budgeting? I must have been absent that day. So I had to learn real quick how to put my stinginess to work.
Clipping coupons, shopping the sales, and buying the no name brands became my new norm. I didn’t stand with the refrigerator door open as long (that was a dad thing). I turned off lights when I left a room. My showers got shorter. Did you know that a dime size amount of shampoo actually can clean your whole head. Along with all of these mindful strategies I learned how to appreciate 2nd hand stuff. Being the 2nd daughter, I already knew that a good pair of jeans or a quality coat would work just fine.
As Jason and I started having kids, we realized quickly that a baby adds lots of stuff to your long list of needs. The worst part is that your little ones grow so quickly that you only need those things for a few months. Which also makes it the best part because the used things were still in pretty good shape if you were lucky enough to find them at a 2nd hand store.
Embrace the Hunt
I learned to navigate the quality and prices of things. I learned how to test if an item was worthy of a 2nd life. Things that could be cleaned up, touched up, or fixed up always made it’s way home with me. Even as our family got bigger along with our income, I still kept my frugal ways. It killed me to spend full price. It gave me pleasure to find good things for pennies even if I needed to use a little bit of elbow grease.
Five of my Favorites Second Hand Stores
With over 30 years of thrifting experience, I feel I am qualified to give you this list of My Favorite 2nd Hand Stores in St. Louis.
Family Thrift Center
Family Thrift Center. This little gem is located at 2500 Lemay Ferry Rd, St Louis, MO 63125. This store features thousands of ever changing used clothing items at discount prices. They stock a variety of household items, toys and books. I have shopped this store since my kiddos were in elementary school. My favorite thing about the Family Thrift Center is how organized and categorized they have it set up. Plus, it doesn’t smell like a basement. Believe me, I have had to walk out of stores because of the musky smell. I can honestly tell you that over half of my wardrobe comes from here. Click here to find out about my ‘Goal Jeans’ that I find at this Thrift Center. And check out my post on Shop the Look to see how I used inspiration boards on Pinterest to help me set up my wardrobe.
Avalon Exchange
Avalon Exchange 6388 Delmar Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63130 is in the Delmar Loop. My son introduced me to this place just this year. It is a little pricier than what I am used to, but there is a reason for that. It is a gold mine for gently used name brand clothes and shoes. I do not buy shoes from 2nd hand stores personally, but this store I make an exception. You can find a $150.00 pair of Jordan’s for $30.00. Say whaaa?
Refab STL
Refab STL 3130 Gravois Ave, St Louis, MO 63118. I found this place on Craigslist about 2 years ago. It is a huge 40,000 SF warehouse in Benton Park West packed with doors, windows, furniture, sinks, hinges, you name it. They are refurbished from house that are being renovated or torn down. If you are into DIY, this is your place! Worth the drive to spend a few hours here on a Saturday morning.
St. Vincent DePaul
St. Vincent DePaul in Old Town Fenton. 625 Gravois Rd, Fenton, MO. Most thrift stores are pretty much the same, but this particular one has a big inventory of furniture. If you know someone just starting out or heading off to college, I would suggest checking this one out. And they sell recycled mattresses. Not what you are thinking because BELIEVE ME, I asked. The only thing recycled are the springs. You can get a king size memory foam for $500. Crazy!
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace. I know, this is just an online store. But that is how everyone shops these days and what a savings when it’s all 2nd hand. The Market is so easy to navigate to find exactly what you need. It is easy to sell your gently used items on the site too.
So there you have it, My Favorite 2nd Hand Stores in St. Louis. Throw your hair up in a bun, grab a cup of mojo, push up your sleeves and dig into the hunt. Here is a post on my Amazing Thrift Store Finds. Thrift on my Frugal Frannies!! – Susie Pea
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