For treasure hunters, teachers and thrift store enthusiasts.... (Austin: sales, to buy)

[justanothercalifornian]

It's called the Goodwill Blue Hanger and I'm addicted. There is one in NW Austin and one South. You have to spend a good hour there rumaging through bins of stuff (some of it total trash), but you can find amazing things for way less than a regular thrift store. My Dad found a nice working video camera for $10. Sold it for $300 on ebay. I never have to buy books or toys new as I can carry out a full shopping cart of name brand, gently used stuff(sometimes new) for under $20. If you are a teacher you can really score on educational items, crafts, paints, etc.
This is not for everyone though. It's a little like dumpster diving sometimes. If you are a germaphobe this would be your worst nightmare, I think.
Anyone on this forum know what I'm talking about...if so, are you addicted like me?

[love roses]

I'm guilty.

[mimimomx3]

It's an experience, I'll give you that.

[Rose Red]

I went there with my friend and it is kind of creepy looking at all that people buy and discard. My friend goes every weekend and I have to admit she gets some great stuff. You gotta work for it though digging through all that craziness.

[Jude1948]

I have to admit that I too am addicted to thrift stores. I love garage sales even more. As a grandmother I purchased toys and clothes which saved hundreds of dollars. My family is aware of my "problem". My one son and his wife gladly accept my offerings, but my other son's wife "humors" me and probably jokes about it to her daughter. I have given that granddaughter only the nicest and name brand items. But the funniest story is when that granddaughter was in preschool this last year and the little girls were changing into their ballet outfits and were down to just panties. My granddaughter's friend looked down and said "Hey you are wearing Mermaid panties too"! My granddaughter say "Oh yes my Grandma got them at a yard sale!" I do draw the line on underwear..LOL

[love roses]

What a funny story

[luksky]

I LOVE those places too. To me the stinkier and dirtier the better. That's the good stuff most people don't want to "dig" for. I do draw the line at undies myself.

[AGA]

It is sad the new law re: childrens toys/clothes etc.. will have a startling effect on "recycling" kid stuff!
I know several folk who make a good 2nd income with childrens resale, and nw they will be forced out of business!

Blue hanger sounds facinating!!! Where in South Austin would I find it?

[xsloane]

I just googled them. They are a Goodwill Outlet. Maybe a little bit too much for me... I'll stick with Goodwill proper. Goodwill Industries of Central Texas