Living in one of the most expensive places in the country, many residents will do anything to save a buck. Visiting a local thrift shop or consignment store is not only a great way to get your household needs for
Living in one of the most expensive places in the country, many residents will do anything to save a buck. Visiting a local thrift shop or consignment store is not only a great way to get your household needs for less, but fashinistas can score one-of-a-kind garments for cheap.
“Consignment means the owner of the clothing gets paid at the end of the closed sell,” explained Terri Waller, owner of TLC Consignment Boutique in Kapa‘a. “At the thrift stores donations are made for the cause.” Waller said her shop has consignments from a variety of boutiques.
“We get it from stores, we get it from stylists, we get it from people who buy things and never wear them,” she said. Waller said everything in her shop is “unique and very artsy looking,” and she only carries high-end items that are stylish and new within the last two years.
Waller said if people want to score a good deal, all they have to do is walk in to her shop, where items are discounted up to 90 percent.
Gloria Cataluna, owner of Lifestyles Consignment Boutique in Lihu‘e, said her shop offers one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories and costumes for women and juniors.
“Know your favorite stores, know your favorite sections and shop often,” Cataluna advises customers looking for a bargain.
As a lover of great deals, Cataluna said her boutique gets new items every day, so she is continuously marking down the price of items. She also advises customers to “grab it when you see it,” because most items found in secondhand stores are one-of-a-kind, and to “use the buddy system.” After all, two pairs of eyes are better than one when you are looking for a great deal, she said.
“It’s all brand names,” Aida Abella said about shopping at Cataluna’s boutique. “The quality is good, and I love the jeans here.”
Cataluna also added shopping at secondhand stores is a perfect place to shop for your Halloween costume.
“It’s the perfect place to find that belt or 1980s-style print to complete your outfit,” Cataluna said.
When shopping at secondhand stores, don’t forget about thrift shops. Many thrift shop offers discounts on certain days of the week.
The Salvation Army in Hanapepe offers 50 percent off their clothing Mondays and Saturdays and Ho‘omana in Wailua offers a different special every week starting on Monday.
The Kaua‘i Humane Society Thrift Store has started to run daily or weekly specials. This week’s special includes 20 pieces of red dot clothing for $2, plus red-dot shoes and purses are 25 cents, according to manager Donna Pickard.
The shop, which is located across the street from the McDonald’s in Lihu‘e, offers houseware, books, electronics, bedding, keiki items plus jewelry and clothing.
The money from each sale goes toward the Kaua‘i Humane Society and helps with the care of animals, the spay and neuter program and its boarding services.
Pickard said shoppers can get great deals on unique jewelry and gently used items, including winter clothing.
“We have tourists who visit Kaua‘i every year and at the end of their trip they donate their barely used designer clothing,” she said. “Thrift stores truly is a way to reduce, reuse and recycle.”
Kaua‘i Humane Society Thrift Store
3-3100 Kuhio Hwy #C3, Lihu‘e. 245-7387.
Wilcox Thrift Shop
3420 Kuhio Hwy, Lihu‘e. 245-1320.
Ho‘omana
4531 Kuamo‘o Rd., Kapa‘a. 821-2818.
Lifestyles Consignment Boutique
4353 Rice St. #2, Lihu‘e. 245-9397.
TLC Consignment Boutique
4-947 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa‘a. 822-0004.
Salvation Army Thrift Store
4291 Rice Street, Lihu‘e. 245-7808.
4465 Puolo Rd., Hanapepe. 335-5441.
