By Katrina Simyab | Photo by Shanna Wolf
DANE COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT STORE
Best for: Fantastic secondhand finds for the whole family, with everything from clothes and shoes to holiday decor, home goods, books, games, accessories and more.
Coolest items that have come in: “Incredible things are always donated! Just this month, we got a Cartier LOVE bracelet valued at thousands of dollars, vintage wooden stadium seats, a U-shaped sectional sofa, thousands of comic books and an art print of Ron Swanson holding a cat in a sea of bacon,” says manager Shelbi Bernard.
Key secondhand shopping advice: “Stop by often! Thrift stores are constantly putting out new items and there is no telling when the treasures you’re looking for will hit the sales floor,” says Bernard.
STYLE ENCORE – MADISON
Best for: Gently used, size-inclusive clothing for men and women from popular brands. Find something for every occasion, including dresses, closet staples, activewear, outerwear, office wear, shoes, jewelry and handbags.
Coolest items that have come in: “Every day brings surprises! We love receiving current items that are new with tags — usually because the return deadline was missed. And of course, everyone gets excited when an amazing luxury handbag comes in,” says owner Diane Krause-Stetson.
Key secondhand shopping advice: “Don’t be [dazzled] by the brand. Take the time to peruse the vast selection in every category and in every size — you never know what you will find,” says Krause-Stetson.
THE PINK POODLE
Best for: Upscale resale, including designer fashion and high-end labels, along with vintage items — handbags, hats, dresses, costume and fine jewelry, suits, belts and other accessories.
Coolest items that have come in: “Once, a teacher came in wanting to consign a handbag that had been gifted to her by a student. It turned out to be an authentic Chanel piece and she had no idea! Luckily for [our] store shoppers, she still decided to consign it,” says owner Beth Testa.
Key secondhand shopping advice: “If you see something and you are on the fence about it, just go for it! Many people return for finds [that] they couldn’t stop thinking about, and unfortunately, they’ve already sold,” says Testa.
