New Orleans has a lot of great secondhand stores from which to choose

Whether you are on vacation or a new student in town saving money on clothes is always appealing. New Orleans has a slew of secondhand stores that makes shopping on a budget easy to do.

It’s no secret that I’m an avid secondhand shopper. Not only is it easier on the pocketbook but buying used is also better for the environment. By purchasing secondhand clothing you aren’t contributing to the manufacturing of new items, shipping said items across the globe, disposing of the packaging they come in, etc….

Secondhand doesn't mean second rate

The difference between a secondhand store and a thrift store is everything has been sorted for you. Buyers weed out items with copious stains, fading and all of those ratty t-shirts from 6 years ago. This means the prices are higher but the clothes are in better condition and the styles are more relevant, which saves you time combing the racks. The other plus is you can usually trade in your unwanted items for cash or store credit. Typical amounts are 30-40% cash and 50% store credit.

Establishments that follow the buy/sell/trade model will offer you cash or trade on the spot whereas consignment stores typically offer you 50% cash but you have to wait for your items to actually sell.

Creative looks on a budget

How to sell clothes

Be honest with yourself. The reason you’re getting rid of this stuff is because you don’t want it. If those pants with the tags still on them have been sitting in your closet for 5+ years, chances are they have hit their expiration date. Also make sure your items are clean and in good condition. It is always a good idea to call the store first to see what they are taking. Don’t be dissuaded if they don’t take everything. Sometimes one store’s clientèle could be drastically different from another’s.

Conservative looks from secondhand stores in New Orleans

From conservative....

How to buy clothes

The first thing to remember is have fun! You never know what you’ll find. Shopping secondhand isn’t like wandering into the mall and that is part of the fun. Stores typically have a wide range of styles and sizes depending on what the store specializes in.