Striking Gold in Goodwill

Few stores can make you feel as if you’ve struck gold quite like a thrift shop. There are many benefits of thrift shopping, including unique discoveries and incredible savings. In a recent quick poll of 50 FCHS students, 92% said they had shopped in a thrift store. “I went to Goodwill and found a J. Crew sweater with the tag still on it,” said Ema Graham ‘17.

Name brands such as American Eagle, Hollister, Talbots, J. Crew, and more can be found in these places. Other than these trendy clothes, you may stumble upon some curious pieces. “I was at a thrift store in Reno once and saw a sweater that read ‘80% opossum hair’ on the label. I was tempted to buy it as a novelty, but it was just too weird,” said teacher Elizabeth Pellicane. Others have found things just as fascinating and strange in similar stores.

For example, teacher Jimmy Small once found a World War I officer jacket at a Salvation Army. He said he occasionally buys items at Goodwill or other thrift stores and then sells his finds on eBay. “I once bought a vintage shirt for $3. It sold for around $150 on eBay,” he said. “I also found a pair of Sperry Topsiders for $5, and they sold for about $15 [on eBay],” he added. In another case, a friend of Small’s bought a piece of pottery for a few dollars and later discovered it was about one hundred years old and worth $300.  

Of the fifty students asked about thrift store shopping, four said they never have or no longer shop at thrift stores due to past experiences. “I do not shop at Goodwill anymore because the pair of pants I bought had an unwrapped Jolly Rancher in the pocket,” said Caroline Haislip ‘19. Still, some students swear by thrift stores. “I can find anything and everything I could ever need [there],” said Anthony Cruz ‘18.

In fact, many students go to Goodwill in preparation for FCHS spirit weeks. With days that are America-themed, blue and gold, or from a specific decade, you may need some help finding the perfect outfit. Whether you need a Hawaiian floral shirt, a vintage costume or anything in between, thrift shops have you covered without breaking the bank.

Here in Fluvanna County, thrifty shoppers have two options: Goodwill, which is located at 85 Heritage Trail by Food Lion, and the Christian Outreach Thrift Store, which is located at 74 Joshua Lane, near Dominos. Occasionally, local churches like St. Peter and Paul hold rummage sales, usually in the spring.  

Goodwill is open Monday-Saturday from 8 am-8 pm and Sunday from noon-6 pm. The Christian Outreach Thrift Store is usually open weekdays from 10 am-5 pm and closes its doors on Sunday. Both locations are great options for whatever you may need. At Goodwill, prices range from fifty cents to $30, with the average prices for pants or tops being about $3.50. You can find anything, from household items, an extraordinary dress for the school dance, or simply a new DVD for family movie night. Either way, you’ll be able to stretch your dollar, and maybe find that one-of-a-kind deal.