Grace Centers of Hope Offers Tips for National Thrift Store Day

Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) Thrift Stores invite shoppers to celebrate National Thrift Shop Day on Saturday, August 17. This day honors the unique charm and benefits of thrift shopping, encouraging communities to explore local thrift stores for hidden treasures and great deals while supporting charitable causes.

Thrifting also promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility. By purchasing second-hand items, shoppers help keep them out of landfills, reducing the volume of waste and extending the life of products. This reduces the demand for new goods, leading to less production waste.

At GCH Thrift Stores, shoppers can find great deals on clothing, furniture, household items, and back-to-school essentials while also supporting the GCH mission to fight homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and spiritual emptiness. On any given night, GCH provides transitional shelter to approximately 175 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 125,000 meals each year. Its comprehensive programs help individuals on their path to sobriety, complete their education, obtain gainful employment, become homeowners, regain custody of their children, and most importantly, positively change their lives.

To help shoppers enhance their thrifting experience, GCH Thrift Stores offer these 10 tips for savvy shopping:

• Have a plan but stay flexible — Start with a list of items you need or are looking for but keep an open mind. Thrift stores are treasure troves of unexpected finds. Flexibility can lead to the discovery of unique pieces.
• Visit regularly — Inventory at thrift stores changes frequently. Regular visits will increase your chances of finding great deals and unique items.
• Look for quality brands — Thrift stores often carry high-quality brands at a fraction of the original cost. Familiarize yourself with premium brands to recognize them quickly. Well-made items tend to last longer and offer better value
• Embrace DIY and upcycling- Give new life to thrifted items. Simple alterations can make a big difference. Sometimes an item may not be perfect as is but can be transformed with a little creativity.
• Check for sales and discounts — Many thrift stores offer special discounts, sales, or loyalty programs. Stay informed about these opportunities to maximize your savings. Follow your favorite thrift stores on social media or sign up for their newsletters to stay updated.
• Shop with patience — Thrift shopping requires time and patience. Go through racks and shelves methodically, as hidden gems often require a bit of digging
• Don't overlook the fitting room — Sizes can vary widely between brands and eras. Always try on clothing items to ensure a proper fit
• Inspect items carefully — Check for stains, tears, missing buttons, and functional zippers. A careful inspection ensures you’re aware of any flaws before you buy
• Engage with staff — Store staff can be a great resource for finding out about new arrivals or special promotions.
• Have fun — Thrift shopping is as much about the experience as it is about the finds. Enjoy the process and celebrate your unique discoveries

Sales from thrift store items account for nearly 50 percent of the nonprofit’s annual operating budget.

“National Thrift Shop Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of thrift stores in promoting sustainability and supporting community programs,” said Erik Overpeck, director of Thrift Store Operations at Grace Centers of Hope. “Shopping at our thrift stores not only offers unique and affordable items but also directly supports Grace Centers of Hope’s mission. Your purchases help fight homelessness, addiction, and poverty, turning your shopping experience into an act of generosity for the community."

Grace Centers of Hope Thrift Stores, which are open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., are located at:

• Oak Park: 23119 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park (248-556-7060);
• Sterling Heights: 43584 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights (586-997-9942)
• Warren: 26740 Dequindre Rd., Warren (586-582-9334)
• Waterford: 5919 Highland Rd., Waterford (248-618-7057)

For National Thrift Day, all items at GCH Thrift Stores will be 60% off.

For more information about GCH, visit https://gracecentersofhope.org.