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January 13, 2025

Thrifting Tips for the Charlotte Region ReStores

By Sarah Ramberg

As many of you already know, I do a LOT of Charlotte thrifting for my blog, Sadie Seasongoods. This means that I spend a lot of time at the Charlotte Region ReStores and I’ve accumulated a few tips along the way. Here are some of my best hints for successful and fruitful shopping trips at our local ReStore locations.

Tip 1: Get to Know Each Location

There are a total of seven ReStores in the Charlotte area, from Statesville to Pineville to Gastonia. And if you’ve only been to one or two of these locations, then, my friend- you are definitely missing out!

While the inventory at all the Charlotte Region ReStores changes daily, each store carries its own personality. For instance, if I’m hunting for books, I’ll head to the Wendover store. Throw pillows? Definitely Pineville. And glassware or dishes? Then I’m heading out to Gastonia.

It’s worth the time to visit each store to help narrow down which ones best fit your own lifestyle and shopping preferences.

Tip 2: Don’t Forget the Perimeter

Most of us spend the majority of our time within the (general) center of the ReStore locations. After all, this is where most furniture and furnishings can be found. But the stores’ perimeter and/or ends shouldn’t be skipped, especially if you’re feeling crafty or artistic. There are all sorts of DIY supplies to be found away from the décor sections, from windows to shutters, hardware and paint.

Tip 3: Vintage Books for Days

While this tip won’t appeal to everyone, it will appeal to anyone looking for vintage books. Just like the ones you see in vignettes or flat lays on Instagram, the Charlotte Region ReStores are a hotbed of old books- especially the Wendover location.

Tip 4: Back and Forth

This tip may initially sound silly, but trust me when I say “go back and forth”. And by that, I mean go up and down the same aisles and rows from different directions. It is SO easy to miss treasures on thrift store shelves, and it really does help to look at shelves from different perspectives on the same trip.

Tip 5: Always Check the Stacked Art

It’s easy to scan the walls of each ReStore to see available artwork and prints. But don’t skip the stacked art leaning against the wall. Filing through the frames is a great way to find a painting or frame that wasn’t outwardly displayed. And since I love old artwork, I keep my eyes peeled for brittle brown paper backing or fraying/dark-colored hanging wire. These are often the hallmarks of vintage art.

Tip 6: Lights and Lamps

Whether you love to curate unique pieces for your home or you enjoy a good upcycle craft, the light fixtures at our ReStores should never be missed. Whether you want table lamps, floor lamps, glass shades, or lanterns, this is always one of my most favorite spots in each of the ReStores. Not for nothing, but I’ve seen some REALLY unique vintage lamps at the Wilkinson ReStore- Gastonia, too.

Tip 7: Bring Packing Materials

Because the ReStores operate using donations from the public, that often includes packing materials, too. So, if you think you might bring home anything breakable, I highly recommend bringing along a box or bag of extra bubble wrap with you. In fact, I always keep some bins/totes and packing supplies in my trunk whenever I go thrifting. It simply gives me peace of mind as I dodge potholes on my way home from the ReStores.

I hope these tips have given you a fresh perspective on shopping at the Charlotte Region ReStores. I’ve traveled across the southeast in search of great thrifting, and we really are lucky to have some of the best ReStores around!

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