It’s no secret: I LOVE thrifting. I get the biggest rush from finding cool things at cheap prices. Of all the places I have lived across metro Detroit, The Salvation Army takes the cake as my favorite place to thrift. I’ve found everything from Stella McCartney handbags for $6 to Ann Taylor and Calvin Klein jeans for a couple of dollars — and still with tags on them.
Every time I post about my finds, people ask how and where I found the items, and often times I hear “I never have good luck thrifting!” Well, friends — I have some secrets to share with you. I’ve partnered up with Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Southeast Michigan to share the best days to shop to score fabulous deals.
So, here’s your guide to shopping at Salvation Army thrift stores in Southeast Michigan. These deals cover all 35 thrift stores across metro Detroit {stores in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties}.
First, it’s important to know the days of the week to shop for the best pricing. How about a little graphic for you visual learners?
- Monday – New 50 percent off “color” tag {ask what the color of the day is when you stop in} and Men’s Night 5 p.m. until close
- Tuesday – Teacher/Student & Kids Day
- Wednesday – Senior Day {ages 55+}
- Thursday – Military Day and Ladies Night 5 p.m. until close
- Friday – 5 for $5 on Color Tag of the Week
- Saturday – 5 for $5 Color Tag of the Week
Personally, my favorite days to shop are the 50 percent off clothing sales. I always shoot to get there at the opening time for the best stuff. Often times the stores will also have a section of overflow items from local stores, too. It’s in this spot I can often get name brand diapers for around 75% off. I’ve also scored toilet paper, paper towels, plastic bags and more. {The items are brand new, but a lot of times the boxes are damaged.} I’ve even scored craft kits and toys for my girls that are brand new.
Mark your calendar for these sales:
- New Year’s Day Sale {always Jan. 1}
- March Mayhem {date changes every year – call your local store}
- Memorial Day Sale {last Monday of May}
- Fourth of July Sale {always July 4}
- Labor Day Sale {first Monday of September}
- Fall Savings Sale {November, but date changes – it’s usually right after Halloween}
Some examples of the awesome things I have found shopping at Salvation Army
Additionally, several of the stores offer special savings and merchandise events throughout the year. These can be worth traveling to if you are seeking a specific item. Here are examples of the special sales that happen during the year:
- Ann Arbor – Music Extravaganza {April}
- Rochester – Antique Auction {April/May}
- Canton – Jewelry Sale {June}
- Utica – Home Furnishing Sale {April}
- Royal Oak – Vintage Day {August}
- Brighton – Kidtastic Sale {November}
GET SOCIAL AND SAVE!
Make sure to follow @SEMIARC on Twitter and salarmythrift.com on Facebook and get access to even more sales and savings. I have them on my favorites list so I never miss out 😉 You can just show the cashier the tweet or Facebook post on your phone to get the deal.
SHOPPING AT SALVATION ARMY HELPS OTHERS
I think people forget that when they shop at Salvation Army, they are helping a greater cause. The thrift stores support The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), which offers substance-abusing men and women the opportunity to rebuild their lives through a voluntary, 6-month residential self-help program.
The ARC draws its entire operating budget from the revenue of the 34 metro Detroit thrift stores and relies on the support of the community to not only shop its stores, but also to donate gently-used clothing, housewares, furniture and more. Thanks to this generosity, the ARC was able to treat more than 2,500 adults at its 300-bed men’s facility in Detroit and 85-bed facility for women in Romulus in 2014.
What has been your favorite finds at Salvation Army?
