Economic crisis inspires thrifty shopping
Amira Eskander
Issue date: 2/12/09 Section: Culture
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Lizzie Duff, a Chattanooga senior, said she is normally a boutique shopper but has been searching for more affordable ways to dress due to the recession.
"You don't have to spend a lot to look good," Duff said. "It's about the signature pieces in your wardrobe." Fashionable bargains, especially on basic items, can be found at stores like TJ Maxx, Charlotte Russe, Rue 21, Target and Wal-Mart, Duff said. "You can always find those items cheaper if you're willing to look," she said.
"America's Thrift Store on Lee Highway is also a great place to find deals if you've got the time to dig," Duff said. "The clothes average around $2.84 per item, so you can put together an entire wardrobe for the price of one item from a boutique."
Duff said she recommends shopping at the Chattanooga Market at the First Tennessee Pavilion on Sundays. "The great thing about the market is that everything is local," she said. "You can find everything from clothes to jewelry to artwork to homemade jams and fresh flowers."
Shopping at the Chattanooga Market helps support the community, Duff said. "The middle man is completely eliminated and the money goes directly to the individuals," she said.
Levi Adams, a Chattanooga senior, said he finds clothes at unclaimed baggage and overstock stores like Rugged Wearhouse, Ross and Marshall's. "[These] stores have high quality merchandise at low prices," Adams said.
"Seriously, the best thing to do to look fly is to reinvent things you already have," Adams said. "Just dig around in your closet and find things that haven't seen the light of day in years."
Grace Maness, a Knoxville junior, said she recommends Plato's Closet, a chain consignment shop. "I love it because you can take in the clothes you don't like anymore and trade them in for new ones," Maness said.
According to Maness, it is different than searching through a normal thrift store because they do not accept clothes that are tattered, stained or more than two seasons old.
"You can find such great deals on top brands," she said. "I got Express jeans there once for eight bucks."
With the economy in decline, many stores are going out of business, and going to store closing sales is the best way to take advantage of the recession, Maness said.
"The stores that are still open just changed from winter to spring and everything is going on sale," Maness said. "Now is the best time to stock up on sale items, and if you find something you really love, buy it in every color."
