It’s no secret that there aren’t many choices when it comes to clothing stores in the Waterville area. If you’re looking for trendy clothes, you probably want to visit Portland, Kittery, Freeport, or even Boston. For those who are willing to get a little crafty, however, we have some ideas for you. Most of us usually frequent thrift stores when there’s a themed party coming up (ugly sweater parties, anyone?), but if you’re willing to put in the effort, Waterville thrift shops can actually have some pretty great options.
First off, you’ll want to go into your thrifting experience with an open mind. Thinking you’ll find nothing means you’ll find nothing. Know that you probably won’t come out with high-end designer brands, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some gems. Just be open to trying clothes or a style that you might not be used to.
Next, don’t get too overwhelmed. It can be a lot to take in the first time you enter Goodwill. At first, it looks like the clothes are just clumped together, but if you take the time to move section by section, you might have some luck. If you have a specific idea about what article of clothing you want, start there. If you’re just looking to see what you can get, I suggest starting with shirts. They usually have a lot of inventory for tops, so you’ll have the most options there.
Furthermore, don’t be afraid to get creative. While you’re shopping, think about how you can alter the clothes in some way. You won’t always find something that fits perfectly, so it’s ok to break out the scissors. My favorite technique is taking pairs of jeans and cutting them into shorts. You can also cut bigger shirts into tank tops or crop tops really easily.
Also, make sure to go often. The biggest complaint I hear from people who go to thrift stores is that they can never find anything. The first few times you go, you might not find what you like, but these shops are always getting new inventory. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for, because they bring in new clothes almost every week. Sometimes you’ll even find some really great deals. I’ve picked up a Patagonia fleece and a pair of Frye boots for way less than what they were worth. Don’t get discouraged!
Finally, be nice to the employees. They know the store the best, so they can usually help with questions. If you’re polite they can point you in the direction you’re going in and sometimes tell you about good deals.
Thrift stores in Waterville:
Goodwill—10 W Concourse
Ken-A-set/Skills Inc—1 College Ave
Madlyn’s New and Used Consignment Store—42 Maine Street
Salvation Army—184 College Ave
Photo Credit: http://horrordisco.com/thrift-…