The hunt is on. Bargain hunters across America wait all year for National Thrift Shop Day: a single day dedicated to celebrating the art of thrifting. Whether you’re a first-time thrifter or a seasoned secondhand shopper, mark your calendar for August 17 and get ready to join the nationwide hunt for the best bargains.
Fueled by the rising cost of living, an uncertain economy, and a rejection of fast fashion, secondhand shopping is skyrocketing in popularity. According to online reseller ThredUp, America’s secondhand market is estimated to be worth $61 billion, up 8.2 percent from last year. By 2029, that number is expected to grow to $74 billion.
Ambie Hay of Palm Beach Thrifters has been riding the thrift trend for decades. Through her popular Instagram account—@palmbeachthrifters—Hay showcases a colorful array of thrift store finds she discovers daily. Posted photos of fabulous furniture, glorious glassware, chic clothing, and nearly-new knickknacks show off Hay’s keen eye for treasure hunting. It’s a calling she says she inherited from her mother.
“I grew up in a family that loved design,” says Hay. “My mom has a great eye. We were always in and out of antique shops.”
Hay says she even owned retail shops in Nantucket and Vero Beach before deciding to trade a life inside a storefront for a life out on the road. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to be out thrifting and finding wonderful things instead of working in retail?’” she recalls.
Today, the Jupiter resident spends her life unearthing hidden treasures at local thrift stores and sharing them with her fan base online. She has also published a series of Thrifting Guides with maps, favorite local shops, and insider tips that bargain hunters can pay to download—plus a children’s book titled Nifty the Thrifter, which features a treasure-hunting dog named Nifty.
Want to score like a thrifting pro? Hay offers these key tips for finding the best items at the best prices.
- Shop Often. Thrift shops get new donations several times a week (if not every day). Stop by your favorite shops often to discover new merchandise.
- Shop Mid-Week. Thrift stores often offer sales and discounts during the week. Check your favorite shops for any mid-week specials.
- Take It Now and Decide Later. If you spot something that catches your eye, put it in your cart so someone else doesn’t take it. You can always put it back if you decide you don’t want it.
- Inspect Before You Buy. Take your purchase over to a window to examine it closely in natural light. Avoid flimsy particle board furniture and cheap clothing (we’re looking at you, Ikea and Shein). Look for stains on clothing, check for chips in ceramics and glassware, and avoid anything that smells musty.
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Get Social. Follow your favorite thrift stores on social media to stay up-to-date
on sales, discounts, and specials.
Three Thrifts Not to Miss
Consider this your thrift hit list: Ambie Hay’s three favorite local shops for uncovering everything from funky finds to high-end labels to one-of-a-kind pieces
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County ReStore
Jupiter
“This spot has an upscale boutique section with brands like Chanel, Lilly Pulitzer, Dior, and Louis Vuitton and a great selection of furniture including patio furniture displayed on the front lawn.”
House of Hope’s Hope Shop
Stuart
“Don’t miss the corner dedicated to artwork. The furniture selection is also amazing. For clothing, they have a boutique area with upscale brands.”
Hospice of Palm Beach Resale
Juno Beach
“This place is much bigger than you’d think. They have so many different rooms with tons of things and lots of display cases. I especially love their selection of linens.”
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