My friend (and fellow Savings.com Dealpro) Jen of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam got angry last week.....and for good reason.
You see, it seems that Goodwill wanted to open a store just a few miles from her home, and there was a very vocal opposition to the new store. Some of it had to do with increased traffic, over-comercialization of the neighborhood, property values, etc. But when all that was said and done, there was another reason:
“They don’t want the type of people they believe Goodwill would attract to their neighborhood.”
In about 3 weeks, Jen and I will be "walking the red carpet" at an event in New York City together. I will likely be wearing a dress that cost me way too much money. She will be wearing either her $2 or her $5 Thrift store dress - and she will look STUNNING!
Who are "the type of people that Goodwill attracts"?
They are rich, they are poor, they are old and they are young. Some will shop at Goodwill because it is all they can afford. Some will shop at Goodwill because they can afford more, buy don't want to pay more. Some shop at thrift stores because of the environmental benefit of recycling clothing. And some shop there for the thrill of possibly "finding a treasure".
No matter what reason a person has for shopping at thrift stores, nobody should look down on them for shopping at thrift stores. and frankly, I am shocked that the reporter was able to find people so snobby and classless as do actually SAY "We don't want THOSE people".
Jen is one of THOSE people that shops at Goodwill. So I guess "Those People" means someone who is frugal, classy, generous of heart, smart and beautiful. The people that the interviewer talked to could take a lesson from Jen!
Go read Jen's post. It's awesome!
Further, this week sees the return of the nemesis of every "sane coupon user". From the teaser for Season 2 of Extreme Couponing, season 2 promises to be just as over-the-top and unrealistic as Season 1. If you thought people gave you grief before for using your coupons, it will likely get worse very soon.
Hold your head high. Never be ashamed that you are saving money. As long as you are using coupons responsibly, let any comments people may make to you roll right off your back.
And frankly? Anyone who looks down on me (or you) for saving money is not somebody I care to know anyway!
Renee
As a recent thrift store seeker :-), I have found it so exciting. I've been able to buy some really awesome & extremely nice clothing for my entire family of five for the price I use to pay for one blouse for me. During my last trip, I spoke with a well-to-do lady that was retired and volunteering at the thrift store. She told me directly that if she would have known of the quality of clothing that was available at thrift stores, she would have never spent the thousands of dollars on her wardrobe that she did yearly. I think there is a mind-set that thrift stores only have rag-tag clothing and that's just not true. Most clothing donated is done so by middle-class and up families that spend a lot of money on quality clothing and most of the time, they take very good care of their items.
As a couponer, it has been a lesson learned.
steph
I love that my church has opened a thrift store! I got my son a brand new with tags gymboree fleece for 50 cents.!!! I have bought all kinds of great things for my family! It just as you said, it is great for the environment and your wallet!
i am going to go check out your friends post now...