Laura Fuguemann has a good record of finding bargains at The Salvation Army Thrift Store and frequents it to save a few bucks when she can.
“We come by the Thrift Store every time we’re in El Centro,” she said in Spanish as she browsed household items. “We find things at very good prices.”
Fuguemann, of Calexico, said she enjoys browsing the secondhand items and often finds really good bargains, including a $15 carpet cleaner that she estimated would cost $120 new.
“I’ve found things like a carpet cleaner at a good price, as well as vacuums, and a toaster for $2,” she said.
Todd Young, Salvation Army Thrift Store warehouse manager, said there has been a noticeable increase in customers since the recession began about two years ago.
“Since the economy hit, we have about 50 new people a day — people that normally we’ve never seen here before,” Young said.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store accepts donations and sells them at discounted prices. Salvation Army uses all proceeds within the Valley for local aid programs, said Karla Amador, manager of The Salvation Army Thrift Store. She said people who are turning away from pricier malls come to the Thrift Store for good finds.
“We’re doing better because a lot of people can’t buy at the expensive stores, so we’re seeing new customers every week,” Amador said.
Most clothing items cost $1 a piece. On Friday afternoon, there were mint-condition clothes from the Gap, Nike, Express and Old Navy, among others.
Cecilia Davis was browsing the extensive used-book section Friday afternoon. The $5 desk she wanted was taken, but she said she enjoys getting her hands on cheap books. Davis said she enjoys the discount prices and the overall shopping experience.
“You find odd things,” she said while perusing the book section. “You find lots of good bargains and meet people. The prices are good, and you’re helping those who need it.”
>> Staff Writer David Steffen can be reached at 760-337-3452 or dsteffen@ivpressonline.com
To donate: Salvation Army picks up donations from various cities in the Valley every week and accepts donations at the store. For more information, call the Thrift Store at 760-353-2260.
Four Salvation Army Thrift Store bargains*
Thrift Store find: Men’s Express polo shirt: $1
Similar item new, online price: Express Lion Pique Polo: $26.94
Thrift Store find: Women’s Nike T-shirt: $1
Similar item new, online price: Nike women’s T-shirts: $10-$22
Thrift Store find: Women’s Old Navy sweater: $1
Similar item new, online price: Old Navy rib-knit turtleneck sweater: $15
Thrift Store Find: Suede couch with matching pillows: $150
Similar item new, online price: IKEA “knihult” sofa, $349
*As of Friday afternoon
“We come by the Thrift Store every time we’re in El Centro,” she said in Spanish as she browsed household items. “We find things at very good prices.”
Fuguemann, of Calexico, said she enjoys browsing the secondhand items and often finds really good bargains, including a $15 carpet cleaner that she estimated would cost $120 new.
“I’ve found things like a carpet cleaner at a good price, as well as vacuums, and a toaster for $2,” she said.
Todd Young, Salvation Army Thrift Store warehouse manager, said there has been a noticeable increase in customers since the recession began about two years ago.
“Since the economy hit, we have about 50 new people a day — people that normally we’ve never seen here before,” Young said.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store accepts donations and sells them at discounted prices. Salvation Army uses all proceeds within the Valley for local aid programs, said Karla Amador, manager of The Salvation Army Thrift Store. She said people who are turning away from pricier malls come to the Thrift Store for good finds.
“We’re doing better because a lot of people can’t buy at the expensive stores, so we’re seeing new customers every week,” Amador said.
Most clothing items cost $1 a piece. On Friday afternoon, there were mint-condition clothes from the Gap, Nike, Express and Old Navy, among others.
Cecilia Davis was browsing the extensive used-book section Friday afternoon. The $5 desk she wanted was taken, but she said she enjoys getting her hands on cheap books. Davis said she enjoys the discount prices and the overall shopping experience.
“You find odd things,” she said while perusing the book section. “You find lots of good bargains and meet people. The prices are good, and you’re helping those who need it.”
>> Staff Writer David Steffen can be reached at 760-337-3452 or dsteffen@ivpressonline.com
To donate: Salvation Army picks up donations from various cities in the Valley every week and accepts donations at the store. For more information, call the Thrift Store at 760-353-2260.
Four Salvation Army Thrift Store bargains*
Thrift Store find: Men’s Express polo shirt: $1
Similar item new, online price: Express Lion Pique Polo: $26.94
Thrift Store find: Women’s Nike T-shirt: $1
Similar item new, online price: Nike women’s T-shirts: $10-$22
Thrift Store find: Women’s Old Navy sweater: $1
Similar item new, online price: Old Navy rib-knit turtleneck sweater: $15
Thrift Store Find: Suede couch with matching pillows: $150
Similar item new, online price: IKEA “knihult” sofa, $349
*As of Friday afternoon
