Hub City: Thrift Store Adventures

"A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist."

-Franklin P. Jones

Yesterday in the search for supplies for a recent craft project (will show more later, when it's complete), I set off to explore the thrift stores of Spartanburg. Given the size of the city, it seems like there are a lot of thrift stores and consignment shops. Not sure what that says about the economy of this region, but for me, it means a good adventure and occasionally finding really cheap treasures.

Unfortunately what I was looking for was not to be found, but I did run across an unopened package of two pillowcases, decorated with cycling images from the 1996 Olympics. What a find! Going straight into Rob's stocking this Christmas! That boy loves bicycles and pillows, and is pretty keen on the Olympics--sounds perfect, right?

I thought I'd share my thrifting adventures with you. As well as keep track of the stores for myself. Some are worth returning, some maybe not. But hopefully this is just the first of my Spartanburg thrifting.

First stop,

The Salvation Army Family Store. 1529 John B White Sr. Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Huge store. Laid out with plenty of room to browse. Furniture largely situated up front, clothes in the middle, dishes/etc. to the right, and random knickknacks around the edge of the room. This felt the most like a real store. And, happens to be where I found the pillowcases. Of course I didn't think to take photos of thrift stores, until I had already left the building, so unfortunately all I have is the outside shot. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army.

Grand Opening Thrift Store. 152? John B White Sr. Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Right next door is another thrift store. The sign in the window said "Grand Opening," so I ventured in. This one reminds me of the things you find in old church closets. And, not in a good way. It's a small little room, not many treasures, and very little organization--things are just thrown onto tables or stacked on the ground. This one is the store I'll be least likely to visit again. Proceeds benefit a local church.

Not Your Average Thrift Store. 369 Whitney Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303-3143.

This store was amazing! It kind of had a funky smell, but it was huge and stuffed was piled everywhere. And, can't beat the misspelled sign: "Dinning Room." There was lots of furniture, and a whole long aisle of kitchen knickknacks. You could tell that a lot of the merchandise came from old retail outlets/restaurants, which is neat. You can dig and dig in here. There have to be treasures buried in here.

Miracle Hill Thrift Store. 369 Whitney Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

This store is in the same shopping center at Not Your Average Thrift Store. It is laid out like a real store would be. And, it was busy! There were people everywhere. When you walk in there are knickknacks to your right, clothes in the middle, books on the far right, with a small furniture section and building supplies section in the back. There was a lot of stuff here, and it was organized well. Apparently there's a 25% off coupon online, too. Proceeds benefit the Miracle Hill organization, which supports homeless, hungry, and addicted people in the Upstate SC area.