Shop for Clothes at Salvation Army Thrift Stores to Save Money AND the Planet {+ Giveaway}

The post below is sponsored by The Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores of Southeast Michigan. All opinions expressed belong to me.

I LOVE thrifting. I get the biggest rush finding cool things at reasonable prices. But the prices aren’t the only reason I thrift. The environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry are another reason, which is why I love to shop for clothes at my local Salvation Army Thrift Stores.

How does clothing impact the environment?

Clothing that sits in landfills releases toxic greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the environment when they break down. Making new clothes also takes hundreds of gallons of water, and the production of new textiles accounts for 10% of all carbon emissions on the planet. Additionally, the fashion industry pollutes our oceans with micro plastics. {Learn more here.}

All of these things can be avoided by buying secondhand rather than brand new, and donating clothes instead of simply throwing them out.

Of all the places I have lived across metro Detroit, The Salvation Army takes the cake as my favorite place to thrift,and this year, the store is encouraging shoppers to visit their local Family Thrift Store on Earth Day.

Can you purchase all clothing at Salvation Army? Well, probably not. Things like underwear and socks, and even basics like undershirts may be best purchased new. But imagine if more of us hit the thrift stores before the malls prior to weddings or events where we might wear a dress once…Or for kids’ sportswear that will get one season of use? Thrifting, even if it’s occasional, can make a major impact on our earth!

Tips For Shopping At Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores

But…Thrifting Overwhelms Me!

I hear this sentiment a lot, and I get it. When I visit, it’s rare that I don’t spend an hour combing through items. But if you can squeeze in a visit, I promise it can be well worth it!

Here are a few tips I keep in mind when I shop:

• I only bring in the house what I have space for. I have two bins in each of my children’s closets — one for clothes that are too small that will get passed along to friends or donated, and a bin for clothes that are too big/for the next season. This helps me to not overbuy. I also keep this in mind for any toys, books, or household items purchased. It must have a spot in my home before entering.
• Shop the sales! Always make sure to check out what color tag is on sale that day. That can be a great way to get awesome deals. {Check out the official discount days list below.}

Items to consider shopping for:

Athletic items. Think baseball pants, cleats, athletic shorts for soccer. Many items are only used for one season with young children. I always find items that have lots of life left! We also love picking up things like baseballs, bats, helmets, and ice skates here. Anything to keep the kiddos outside!

New with tags items. Nothing beats the thrill of finding an item that is new with tags. It happens often too!

Warm gear. Snow pants are almost always available, and great to find while thrifting. I also love scoring jackets for us here too — there are always tons, and sometimes it’s fun to change it up each season!

Books. We sail through books, and while our weekly library habit helps, sometimes nothing beats owning some of the best stories. If they aren’t a hit, re-donate them!

Toys. If your kids are like mine, they go through phases with toys and interests, so it never makes sense to spend a ton! Usually a quick wipe down, and they are good as new.

Movies. We have a DVD player in our van, so I love picking up movies here to take with us on road trips.

Seasonal items. Who doesn’t love bunnies and chicks at Easter? Or heart items for Valentine’s Day? These are available year-round. Tip: If you don’t have a lot of extra space, you can always re-donate after the holiday 😉 It’s a fun way to keep things fresh.

Discount Days

MONDAY: 50% Off Color Tag
Each Monday a new color tag will be selected to be 50% off for the week. This discount includes clothing, accessories, bric, linen and shoes.

TUESDAY: First Responders Discount
Every Tuesday Military, EMT, firefighters and police personnel with valid ID will receive 25% off regular priced items excluding new merchandise, jewelry and collectables.

WEDNESDAY: Senior Discount
Every Wednesday all seniors age 55+ with a valid ID will receive 25% off regular priced items excluding new merchandise, jewelry and collectables.

THURSDAY: Student and Teacher Discount
Every Thursday students and teachers with valid ID will receive 25% off regular priced items excluding new merchandise, jewelry and collectables.

FRIDAY + SATURDAY: 5 for $5
Every Friday & Saturday, clothing marked with the color tag of the week are on sale – 5 items for $5.

Where do your dollars go?

When you shop at Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores, you are helping a cause that is different from the red kettles you see at Christmastime.

The thrift stores in SE Michigan fully fund 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 thrift stores, so supporting them makes a difference in the lives of many!

As someone who has experienced what it’s like to have a family member go through rehabilitation, I can tell you firsthand how difficult navigating that world can be. Their mission is one that is SO important to me.

Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores and COVID

All Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores are closely following guidelines issued from government officials, including a 50 percent store capacity and mandatory mask wearing. Family Thrift Stores also have extended hours from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays for seniors, vulnerable adults, pregnant individuals and immunocompromised shoppers.

TIP: Dressing rooms are currently closed, but apparel can be returned for store credit. To make a return, you must have a receipt, the items must have the original price tags still attached, and the return must be done within a 3 day period of purchase.

Family Thrift Store Info

There are 31 thrift store locations across metro Detroit {stores in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties}.

Most Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores are open for donations of gently used household items, clothing and furniture from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with some stores open until 7 p.m.

Follow @SEMIARC on Twitter and salarmythrift.com on Facebook and SEMIARC on Instagram and get access to even more sales and savings.

GIVEAWAY

I am thrilled to offer the chance for one of my readers in Southeast Michigan to get a $30 store credit to the Family Thrift Store closest to them. Giveaway ends on April 22, 2021 at midnight.

Follow the prompts below to enter:

$30 Gift Card to Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores

What has been your favorite finds at Salvation Army?