Finding bargains at LI thrift stores
With thousands of items lining the shelves and racks at Unique Thrift Store in Westbury, customers go down each aisle, sifting through the hundreds of clothing items while looking for good finds, at good prices. (March 29, 2012) Credit: Nancy Borowick
Want your spring shopping budget to go further? Head to your local thrift store.
Whether warehouse-sized or smaller, community-run operations, Long Island's many stores are stuffed with finds. You might unearth '80s peplum blouses en vogue again, designer handbags (without the designer prices) or bold statement jewelry. Avid thrifters say the allure is in the hunt.
"I feel like it's finding buried treasures," says Valery Levine of Bellport. "You don't know what you're going to get."
Although the shopping bounty may be plentiful, it's important to be prepared to dig. Stores don't necessarily organize items by size and type. Some thrift stores are cash only -- and sales are often final.
But the bargains can be steep. To keep merchandise moving, most thrift stores price items with color-coded tags that can translate to an additional 25 percent to 50 percent discount on certain days of the week.
Here are some best bets for stores that offer a reliable selection at low prices.
614 Middle Country Rd., Selden, 631-736-3979
This thrifting mecca has generous stock of men's and women's clothing and shoes. The store features a mix of '80s looks and more contemporary styles, along with designer purses and shoes. Clothes are organized by type, then by size. The selection of dresses is impressive -- particularly for special occasions, and even wedding gowns. There are several dressing rooms, so it's easy to try things on.
525 Old Country Rd., Westbury (other location in Levittown), 516-338-1760, imunique.com
The store is like a massive -- albeit carpeted -- warehouse. It can feel a bit overwhelming, but clothing sizes are listed as small to extra large instead of by numbers, so look carefully. Pants are hung by the thigh, making it easier to spot brand names. "You really have to dig," says Emily Alterman, 17, of Sea Cliff, who prefers thrifting to retail shopping. Still, "you can get awesome stuff."
700 Suffolk Ave., Brentwood, 631-231-0460
With a good mix of purses and accessories, as well as clothing neatly organized by type and size, it's easy to spend time here. Vintage jewelry is a big draw, while bags (some designer) hang on a large wall. Shoe gems emerge for both men and women.
1179 Sunrise Hwy., Copiague, 631-699-2412
Opened last month, this is the first AMVETS location on Long Island. At more than 19,000 square feet, it's a big one. There's a great selection of sizes -- 0-28 for women, small to 3X for men. Clothes, shoes and home goods are displayed clearly on long racks or shelves. "I like to hunt," says shopper Laura Lemanowicz, 34, of Bayside, looking at tablecloths. "You get a good bargain while the other people are paying top dollar."
188 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead (other locations in Holbrook and Medford), 516-489-1661, savers.com
Aisles of clothing aren't overwhelming at this medium-sized store. Items are separated by type and size. Pants are hung by the thigh, making it easy to see the designer labels in the waistbands. Shoes offer a nice selection from sizes 6-12, and better sportswear -- blazers, suits, and dresses -- give shoppers more bang for their buck.
1900 E. Jericho Tpke., East Northport, 631-462-4219, goodwill.org
Thrift shopping is made easier at this store, as tops are organized by color, then by size. Basic cotton blouses are plentiful (from $4.99) as are jeans by brands like Lucky and Express (from $7.49). This is the place for work-wear, with blazers by Harvé Benard, Talbots, Style & Co., and even Michael Kors for Bergdorf Goodman (from $8.49).
274 New York Ave., Huntington, 631-271-4883
This thrift shop is for patient treasure hunters. While men's and women's clothing is separated by type, items are not sorted by size. Still, women will find brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren on the $4 rack of jeans and even boutique dressy options. Vintage jewelry, shoes, and a separate book room are also highlights.
Reader pick
166 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead
This no-frills store opened about six months ago. Although smaller than mega-stores, it packs a number of shoes and accessories, as well as men's, women's, kids' clothes on its two floors. "I got a great pair of older vintage Levi's to wear with half-boots for $5," says Pinto, 46.
