By Cynthia Cheng

 

Where can you find a pair of almost-new Via Spiga shoes for less than $5? Or an Italian sports coat for a few dollars more? Thrift store retail is the local bargain hunter’s secret to staying fashionable without breaking the bank.

 

Walter Roa is the store manager of the Salvation Army Thrift Store located on 1494 Halford Ave. According to Roa, with the rising gas prices, inflation, and the cost of living, people are seeking more outlets for affordable clothing.

 

At the store, a pair of black Steve Madden pumps went for $1. A pair of khaki Via Spiga high-heels was $3.50. A polka-dotted pink blouse with black lace trim by Papaya was $7.50. A striped Hollister women’s polo was $2.50. A shiny blue Geoffrey Beene men’s shirt was $15. A striped Nordstrom men’s shirt was $4.20.

      

“One of our goals is to help our community save money. You can get a nice outfit here for under $10,” Roa says. “On Wednesdays, all of our clothing is half off. So a dress going for $5 would be $2.50. This special is for all the Salvation Army stores in the South Bay.”

 

Roa emphasizes that the Salvation Army Thrift Store has something for everyone-men, women and children. He also adds that a significant number of adolescents shop here.

 

“We have a lot of teens who come and get outrageous t-shirts and jeans. They like the bracelets with the little spikes, the metal pieces, and body piercing stuff. Some of them like that vintage grandma jewelry,” Roa says.

 

“We’ve had many women come in to get their wedding dress here,” Roa continues. “All the time, we have people who are interviewing for the first time. They get the clothes they need for work, like black pants and white shirts. We have people buying evening gowns for events. Sometimes they come back and tell us that they got the job or that everyone complimented them on what they wore.”

 

Across town at The Goodwill Store on 2800 El Camino Real, a couple of shoppers discuss their interest in bargain shopping.

 

“It’s fun to rummage and it satisfies your hunting desires,” says Kendra, a local resident. “I have a lot of luck finding pants here. And I get summer clothes if I can find them.”

 

Hernan, a visitor from Columbia, says he enjoys shopping at The Goodwill Store because he likes the clothes. His companion shows off her newly purchased leather handbag which would have retailed for $60 in Columbia, but here at The Goodwill Store, the bag only cost $14.

 

“Their clothes are good,” Hernan says. “I like their jeans, shoes and shirts.” 

  

At St. Justin’s Thrift Store on 2655 Homestead Rd., shoppers can find seasonal clothing, shoes and accessories for everyday wear, birthday parties, graduation, costume parties, and school plays. Name brands carried at the store include GAP, Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, and labels typically seen at Nordstrom or Macy’s.  

 

“Everything is so cheap here,” says Laura Sala, a store employee. “A sundress could cost a buck. If it’s a brand-new dress, we might charge $15. Depending on how much something cost originally, if we see a pair of brand-name shoes that was originally $45, we might cut it down to $4. We sell brand name jeans for $5 and under.”

 

Although St. Justin’s Thrift Store has been around for 30 years, Sala says that it hasn’t become a popular bargain-hunting venue until the last few years.

 

“Today people are more apt to look at second-hand things. They’re becoming more aware of the environment and they want to recycle things,” Sala says. “Years ago, people were ashamed to say that got something second-hand. But not anymore. Now people are proud to say they got a bargain. I hear people say, ‘Look how great this looks on me and it was only a couple of bucks!’”