This is one of my favorite hobbies! I started this after my kids joined scouts.

100% wool blankets for 2.99 to 6.99 dollars.

Nalgene bottles. 99 cents to 2.99 dollars I always keep an eye out for stainless steel bottles, but most are el-cheapo with small mouths, kinda useless....

Sleeping bags. 1.99 to 6.99--- (the 6.99 was a 20 degree bag that still had the price tag on it- well worth the trip)

Camping stoves- found many, but most of the time they are very worn...did find one butane model that looked brand new.


We even have a computer- focused goodwill in our area- 17 inch Lcd monitors for 15-20 bucks, gotta love it!

A 30l daypack. Gonna live in the car for hikes and such

A Brooks Brothers suit that fits me exactly for $12.

OK, my story is different.
First, there are no thrift stores in my corner of the world.
So, why am I here in this thread ?

Well, I did one time get something of great value while visiting our charity office. They usually take anything in whatever condition. They sell the stuff to recycling companies and the money is spent on charity purposes.

So, one day I was donating stuff (paper, plastic ..etc.) and saw a few boxes full of books. After closely examining one box, I went to office and offered them (the equivalent of) $30 for that box, which they accepted. It was full of medical books and safety manuals. I took the box home to my daughter who is a doctor. She was extremely happy.

Hey, Chisel, would you mind explaining why there are no thrift stores in your part of the world? Is it considered too embarrassing to buy second-hand clothing? Or are people so frugal that they always find another use for old stuff? Or are people very wealthy?

I´m not sure we have any in Finland, either. Perhaps in the capital Helsinki. Flea markets we have a lot of but that is not the same as I understand it.

We have flea markets. And you can find everything there. New or used, and mostly used. But there are no shops that are dedicated to selling used stuff.

Why ? It isn't one reason, Bingley

Generally speaking : if you scan any region of the world, you will find types of businesses and establishments that you will not find in other countries/regions. Societies are different. Globalization is melting corners of the world into one pot, but things aren't completely identical.

Regarding wealth, not everyone around here is wealthy. You get almost the same mix in the U.S., Europe, Asia , and about anywhere else. There are people (either low income, or used to thrifty lifestyle) who may buy used equipment (especially in business) or a used car ..etc. But, not personal items like clothes and such.

Regarding embarrassment, there are off course cultural differences. A few decades ago, we had many more American expatriates here (compared to more Asians now), and they held garage sales ..etc. I bought from them tools, books ..etc. But honestly, we were shocked to see them selling their underwear. This was a cultural shock. LOL.

This is what comes to mind right now regarding buying used stuff.
And off course, you will find all kinds of people in any society. I am the kind of practical, simplistic type of person , so I bought a used car before, and may go to flea market to find tools ..etc. and have bought a used desk from a closing company ..etc. But there are other people who will never go "cheap" like this.

Not exactly a thrift store, but the local Walmart had five pairs of size 13 Chuck Taylor All-Star knockoff shoes for $3.00 each. They are now in my closet! Sometimes being big-footed works to my advantage.
-Blast