Gridskipper

Welcome to the 99 cent rack and vintage by the pound. Beyond being a stylish second hand store, Clothes Encounter is also a great costume shop with a few new products such as fishnets, wigs, sunglasses, and anything… else disguise related. Dresses, leather, shoes, and hats do not qualify for "by the pound," unfortunately. [link]

A clean community store where the first Monday of each month is celebrated with half off of everything. Included in their catch are records, tapes, a few electronics, a medium array of shoes, and pretty… good furniture. They also have decent art once in a while, but their clothing section is not as strong as some. Donation drop off is in the alley around the corner, where you get to choose from a long list for which charity the proceeds of your items will go to. [link]

For people used to most old school thrift establishments, the organization and cleanliness of Thrift Town might induce an aneurism. If you feel overwhelmed, go upstairs to the "house wares" sections to find a little… more disorganization amongst electronics, kitchenware, miscellaneous sporting goods, books, movies, and furniture. Each day is 50% off a particular tag color, and they have Monday Night Football promotions with 30% off everything between 6-9 p.m. [link]

95 cents out of every dollar made here goes the AIDS Health Foundation, and these guys will come pick up large items from your home for free. It's a small space compared to the leviathans of Thrift Town and Salvation… Army, but as thrift stores are known to do, it houses some hidden gems. [link]

This is the place that you go when you're lazy or busy. Everything is pre-culled so that you don't waste time with the neon orange D.A.R.E. limited edition XXXXXL Tee. The stuff is cool and the work that goes into… sorting all out for you is included in the higher prices. [link]

Salvation Army is foundational institute among the thrift community. Largely known for inconsistent products, the Mission store is massive and includes a "Quality Corner" for items that don't smell like urine. No,… seriously, I've bought many legitimate things here, and last week, they had half price on all furniture and shoes. Inventory = everything. Donation drop off is around the corner. [link]

The Buffalo Exchange bucks the donation trend by providing a model that allows customers to sell or trade their old clothing, if it makes the cut. The Mission store has high standards, which can produce a gamut… of emotions during a single visit. Maybe they accept the clothes you're selling (jovial), or maybe they don't (angry, hurt, wrestling with insecurity). Then, you become giddy looking at all of the clothes and shoes you want to buy, a feeling in turn displaced by a darker mood when it's time to pay at the register. [link]