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Goodwill Outlet Experience

My Goodwill Outlet experience was a unique and different shopping opportunity.  Keep reading for more on this story.

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I went to the Goodwill Outlet World in Denver off of Kearney Street with three friends.  When we walked in, we weren't sure what to do.  there were people on both sides of the store.  As it turns out, one side of the  has clothing  the other side has "brick brack".  We gravitated to the brick brack side.  All the items are in large blue bins that are at waist height and on wheels.

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there were supposed to be new bins coming out every 15 to 30 minutes.  We walked in at about 10:45 and left at about 2:10pm. While we were there we only had 2 rotations of bins.    It's interesting whent the new bins are rolled out.  There's a hush that comes over the store.  Seasoned patrons know what to do.  We just stood back and watched.  You line up against the wall and the employees rope off the area where the bins will be removed and new bins brought in.  When the bins are replaced, you're given the "ok" to line up next to a bin.  The worker reminds everyone not to push, snag or fight for items.  Then you are given the OK to shop.

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It's crazy how everyone grabs items.  Some people throw items which is sad because some of the glass gets broken.  I'd suggest that you wear gloves because of this.  Some people wore surgical face masks, but I didn't think it was necessary.   Another suggestion is to find a large basket or shopping cart to place your items in.  Shopping carts are hard to find, so I used a basket.

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When you are finished with your treasure hunt, you'll make your way to the register to check out.  The employee that helped me was extremely nice.  She explained how the check-out process worked.  Everything is weighed, clothing, accessories, housewares, toys and shoes are $1.29 per pound.  Glassware is $.59 per pound.   Books, DVD's and CD's are $.49 per pound.   Select items like furniture are priced individually.   Here are the wonderful items I was able to find.

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This was one of my favorite finds of the day. A vintage ceiling tile.

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Vintage Market (The Weathered Shoppe)

Vintage Market

The Weathered Shop

The Vintage Market in Colorado Springs is always a great place to find great home decor or just get ideas on how to decorate on your own.  Regardless of how many times I go, I always come back with either great ideas or a few items to use in our home.

One of my favorite vendors to explore is the Weathered Shoppe.  Not just because the owners are amazing ladies with great customer service, it is actually due to the unique and custom signs that you get from there.  I already have 2 of their signs hanging up in our home.  After today, I've doubled those numbers.  They are an amazing place to explore.  I suggest that if you ever come across one of their displays, walk slow and read everything.  You'll find something that jumps out at you and follows you home.

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Why I like to “Thrift”

My love for antiques and salvaged items began when I was younger. We lived in California, I remember going into a used clothing store and getting a purple dress. I called it my Cinderella dress. I wore that dress for years. when we moved to North Dakota a few years later, my dad and I use to take stuff to the junk yard. At the junk yard, there was an area to put items to be salvaged. Dad and I would search through that area and come home with some fun stuff. Finally we moved to Colorado. My mom became friends with a lady that introduced us to the Salvation Army and Goodwill. We would spend hours shopping for antique egg beaters and old books. The old books we searched for were mostly medical books. It was always so fun to find a book we didn’t have . I remember finding a beautiful gunny sax dress that made me feel like Cinderella all over again.

So thrifting really has been my passion for years. I used to look forward to those trips to the Salvation Army and Goodwill, just like I do now. When I know I need to find something for a space, I search our local Goodwill and ARC first before heading over to our local antique stores. I always have an “idea” of what I want. Sometimes that general idea morphs into something better or gives me an idea for another project. That’s the lovely thing about home design – you can change your mind often.

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5 things I look for when designing

  1. Opportunity in the space.
This is a small piece that was composed from 3-4 different thrift store finds. It's used as a bed decor item.

A blank wall or a wasted corner of the room is the perfect canvas for creating something unique. Find that space in your own home that most would ignore, but could offer that opportunity for a refresh or cool design element. Often times I will start my design ideas with new paint and begin the journey from there. Once I've identified the space and its need, I begin the plan for the design. Usually inspiration hits once I'm in the local thrift shop, Goodwill or scanned through Facebook Marketplace. Take measurements, pictures and sketches of the space. You will need those later.

2. Thrifting and Junking

While walking through my local thrift store, I look first for items that "jump out" at me. It usually connects to a memory, feeling or something that stirs my emotions. Typically the more TLC needed, the better. Depending on the space it could be a chair, lamp, mirror. Honestly, I this stage it could be anything. My imagination is in full swing and I allow myself to just think creatively . I keep thinking about what will work and what would make sense. Sometimes I grab things that I didn't intend on using in that space. There are so many treasures to be found in these store. Items often come home with me that will get used in future projects.

3. Preparing the items

Before any item comes into the house, it needs to get washed, repaired and possibly sanded & painted. I look for ways to use it with other items that I have and start sizing up the space. I want it to blend with the surroundings as if it was always meant to there.

Stay tuned for steps 4 & 5 in my next blog.