This is an update to last year’s post.

I went to Goodwill on Thursday, Jan 3rd, 2019 because I was passing by after the gym.  THE GOODWILL RACKS WERE PACKED!!! 

I could not believe all of the items on the racks and shelves.  It was like hundreds of homes had cleaned out their over-consumption stuff for other’s to enjoy at discount prices.  The clothes were so packed the hangers couldn’t slide.

Question:  Friday or Thursday?  Friday starts a new color of half price tags.  Thursday those color tags become $1 each just to get the merchandise out of the store.

As I said, I was there Thursday—usually slim pickings-—just to see if they had anything good available.  WHOA, there were dozens and dozens of $1 clothing items, household items, books, etc.  I looked around a little and ended up with 10+ items for $13 (I had to over-pay more than $1 for a couple of nice clothing items; Oakley, Nike ~ 1.99-2.99).

I know in the next 3-4 weeks—as the color tag cycle rolls over—there will be so many great deals.  I now have a “goodwill wish list” on my phone of clothes/things to look for—just like an Amazon wish list, but for Goodwill.

Original Article from 2018 below:

Let’s talk about shopping.  There’s either planned need-based shopping or entertainment shopping.  We’ve all done both at many times in our lives.  Of course, we’re supposed to just perform planned/need-based shopping excursions, but that’s no fun.  Let’s talk about discount shopping—with a plan.

Normal shopping has a few pricing models, full-price, sale-price, some other crazy-price.  The goods we purchase come in two states—new or used.

Today I feel the need to talk about used items.  Something that someone wanted to get rid of and allow us to have that those items for less money.  So excellent for the wallet!  There are many used item locations ebay, craigslist, garage sales, neighborhood posting sites, thrift stores, (bulk trash for some), etc.

Let’s talk about Goodwill thrift stores.  Tons of merchandise—some horrible junk, other may be nice finds or “treasures.”

Here’s the best part:  Goodwill stores often have multiple pricing options.  Full priced items, half priced items,  and excellent $1 items.  Many Goodwill stores base the price on how long the item has been for sale in the store.

• Full Price:  As items arrive they are priced with the new color tag of the week (e.g. pink) for full price.  I’m not sure, but I believe my store has 5 colors of tags— as an example a store may use Pink, Purple, Green, Blue, and Yellow. 
• 50% off:  The fifth(?) Friday after arrival, those old pink tags become 50% off their full price to incentivize people to get those items out of the store.  Friday morning can get a little busy in some goodwill stores.  There may also 50% off Saturdays when the entire store is on sale.
• $1 day:  Then on the following Thu—end of that color’s 50% off week— all those 50% pink tagged items become $1 to really try and push the items out of the store.  Thursday morning can be even crazier.  Imagine getting jeans or a jacket for $1. 

Then the next day (Friday) the discount process starts over with the next (oldest) color, in this example, Purple tags become 50% off their full price.

There are also 50% off Saturdays,  Senior 20% off Tuesdays, Military day savings, etc.

My tip:  Near the end of the year many people donate items for the tax write and in Jan many items are donated because of new year’s ‘cleaning’ resolutions.  So if we can time 5 weeks after these items arrive (mid-Jan – mid/late Feb) you will find a large selection of very discounted stuff.  My local Goodwill’s racks are jam-packed with clothes and shelves are stacked with items. 

I’m sorry this post went up at the end of this timeframe, I just realized myself why there was so much stuff at the stores.  Keep a shopping list of items you need/want in your task list.  Set up a calendar reminder for late Jan and Early Feb next year to take advantage of Goodwill Thrift Store donations sales to load up on stuff and save your wallet some serious money…and have hopefully a great entertainment shopping adventure.

*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice.  I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be.  You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice.