Why Thrift Shop?
According to Earth.org, we discard 92 million tons of clothes-related waste each year. That’s a garbage truck full of clothes either incinerated or sent to the landfill every second. That’s enough to fill the Texas Pool 1,649 times every day.
What can we do about it?
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
- Reduce the amount of new clothing we purchase.
- Reuse existing clothing. (Thrifting!)
- Recycle clothes we no longer wear by selling them to resale shops.
Disclaimer: I am a novice thrifter, but super excited about my newly discovered passion for second-hand shopping, thanks to my friends and fellow Collin County Moms contributors Meg Eakin and Jennifer Copeland. These incredible women not only introduced me to the wonderful world of second-hand treasure hunting, but they also inspired me to become a Collin County Moms contributor.
Now before I get too emotional about how much I love these two supportive mom friends of mine (and in my best Mirabel Madrigal impersonation), I think it’s time for a THRIFT STORE ROUNDUP! Let’s talk about some of the best Collin County thrift stores.
The late Kurt Cobain once said, “I look back on going to second-hand stores and finding a little treasure. And that actually meant more to me because it was more of a stab in the dark. When you find it, it’s more special to you. Rather than having $1,000 and just going in and buying the whole store. It’s not as special.”
The Thrift Store | Plano
Enter: The Thrift Store. (No really, that’s the name of the store.) This hidden East Plano gem is my favorite spot for super budget-friendly finds. Cute and trendy, upscale and formal, costume-worthy and wacky—you can find anything at this resale haven.
Maybe this is just me, but I know I’m going to love the prices when they are LITERALLY STAPLED onto the clothes’ tags.
Pro tip: Take everything off the hangers for the cashier, and if you’re not already fluent, brush up on your Español!
Here are some of the beautiful pieces I found here, each under $6:
Note to self: Stop overpaying for nice things!
I also loved discovering these quirky and random finds—great for Halloween, gag gifts, or the perfect (oddly specific) occasion.
Plaza Thrift | Plano & McKinney
Next stop, Plaza Thrift! (P.S. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was thrifting here around 10am on Tuesday, July 12. My toddler may have contributed to any hearing loss you are experiencing. The “terrible twos” are hitting this little one pretty hard lately.)
ANYWHO, this chain has locations in McKinney and Plano, and can decorate your home and dress your entire family in just one stop.
I was particularly impressed with their Plano location’s selection of bicycles, baby clothes, jewelry, and shoes. I even found this practically NEW $5 pair of Crocs for my son!
And who doesn’t love Hanna Anderson, especially when it only costs $2.99!
Here are some other great finds from Plaza Thrift.
I bet all you moms out there are way better at creating fashionable looks than I am, so I’m sure you’ll have even more luck than I did!
Uptown Cheapskate | Wylie, Allen, Frisco, & More
NOW, I’m not knocking higher-end thrift stores like Plato’s Closet or Uptown Cheapskate, but I will say, it was difficult to reconcile some of their prices after all these STEALS!
On the other hand, walking into Uptown Cheapskate felt like a high-end, cushy shopping experience compared to the stores I had visited prior. Not to mention, I didn’t have to pick through the strange, worn, or flat-out ugly items to find nice things.
That’s because these stores sort through your old items and take what’s trendy or in season! (If you haven’t sold your clothes to Plato’s Closet or Uptown Cheapskate, I highly recommend it. It’s always nice using the in-store credit, which ends up being a little bit more than the cash they offer. Recycling clothes while taking some cute pieces home? Sounds like a win-win to me!)
Bonus: This adorable purse was actually cheaper than the similar one I saw at Plaza Thrift!
Three Rebeccas’ Finds
Finally, I must share with you a local Collin County mom’s online vintage resale shop, Three Rebeccas’ Finds. This beautifully curated selection of hand-picked items looks just as Pinterest-perfect online as they will in your home. Practicality meets aesthetic in each of these home goods, toys, and more. There is something for everyone at Three Rebecca’s Finds.
Where is the McKinney site
Plaza Thrift in McKinney is at 135 S Central Expressway, in the shopping center on the southeast corner of 75 & Virginia.
Fun article! We love Allen Community Outreach (ACO) in Allen, and the Goodwill in McKinney has had a major upgrade with rows of all kinds of fun finds! It’s so much better than it used to be.
PS I love to repurpose and have a vintage and ephemera Etsy shop.
Thanks so much! That is great info. And I love your shop!
Great article! Thanks for All the new tips on thrifting! Well written, too!!!!
Thanks, Babs!
A good article! I can’t wait to start checking them out!
Thanks so much, Deborah!