‘Thrifty’ threads
Thrift store lovers may be unaware they’re performing a societal good while they do some of their vintage shopping.
Jan Cox, store manager of Goodwill Industries, 1313 S. Mission St., said employees enjoy the students coming into the store, which receives its products through donations. She said employees even target the student crowd with certain items.
Interests range from costume attire to random clothes, usually associated with past generations, Cox said.
There is a misconception, however, about the way the store operates, she said.
“Goodwill does not run on the donation of the clothes, but on the funding from the sales,” Cox said.
The money Goodwill brings in helps keep people and families independent by funding job training. Goodwill also finds jobs for people with disabilities.
“In order to help these families, we must sell what is in the store,” Cox said.
For this reason, Cox said she encourages students to shop at Goodwill since it helps support their mission.
Clinton Township sophomore Matthew Hill said he usually buys $2 shirts from thrift stores.
“It’s cheap for a college student in particular,” he said. “I don’t have the money right now to go to Abercrombie and Fitch and indulge.”
Hill said he shops at both Goodwill and Salvation Army Thrift Store, 706 W. Pickard Ave.
Other students said they like thrift stores because of the range of unique clothing.
“You can always find interesting things there,” said Jennifer M. Meyer, a Saginaw freshman. “I like to buy blazers in bright colors.”
Conklin freshman Emily Brown said she shopped at Goodwill when she was looking for cheap costumes for parties and unique clothes.
Katie Daggett contributed to this report.
