Most of us would stay home with a cup of coffee if the weather alert on our phone said severe thunderstorm warning. Michigan thrifter @jennabloomm got in the car anyway. She drove an hour to her favorite thrift store with the warning in effect for the entire drive, and says it was worth every single mile. Within two minutes of walking through the door, she found not one but two vintage Coach bags.
She says this is her favorite thrift store in Michigan, and she is honestly a little upset to be telling anyone about it. The store is the Salvation Army in Washington, Michigan, on Van Dyke. Here is how her day unfolded.
@jennabloomm
A Quick Stop That Turned Into Four Hours
She went in telling herself she would just do a few laps around the store. Four hours later, she was still there, and even then she felt she had not gone through a fraction of it. Every time she thought she was finished, she turned another corner and found something else.
Her list of finds is the kind that makes any thrifter smile. She mentions gorgeous heels, amazing vintage clothing and name brands everywhere. By the time she was ready to try things on, her cart was overflowing. She also noticed two drone cameras, and she says that was absolutely not on her thrift bingo card that day. She is not sure whether it was on purpose or an accident, but she says whoever did it made the place a lot more fun.
Every Aisle Had Something Waiting
What she loved most was that it was not just one lucky find. As she describes it, every aisle had something waiting for her, and every rack had a surprise. She says that is pretty rare. The home section got its own shout out as well, with shelves that were completely full and something interesting in every aisle. She says she picked up something every five feet, and it felt like one giant treasure hunt.
When it was all over, she left with bags in both hands and her car completely packed. She also says she had absolutely zero regret, and that she would happily make the same drive again. She filmed a full try on session of everything she brought home.
Shopping With a Good Conscience
One part of her story stands out. She says she does not feel guilty spending money at this store, because every dollar goes to support the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center, which helps men and women who are rebuilding their lives. Her view is that she is giving clothes a second chance, and giving the people the store supports a second chance too.
That is worth remembering whenever you shop at a charity thrift store. Your purchase is not only a bargain for you. It also helps fund the work of the organization behind the store, which is part of why so many people like to shop this way.
Tips for Planning Your Own Thrift Road Trip
A long drive for a good thrift store can be well worth it, especially if there is a store in your region that people rave about. Here are some practical ideas to make the most of a day like hers.
- Check the weather and road conditions. She drove through a severe thunderstorm warning, but you do not have to. If the forecast is bad, a store will still be there the next day.
- Plan for plenty of time. Large stores can take hours, and she spent four hours without seeing everything. Eat beforehand and bring water.
- Wear easy clothes. If you want to try things on, wear something that is easy to slip a jacket or blouse over, and bring a tote bag for your finds.
- Walk the whole store in a pattern. Go aisle by aisle, and then take a second pass. As she found, a quarter turn can reveal a new section.
- Do not skip the housewares. She noted the home section was full too. Dishes, frames, lamps and linens can be just as rewarding as clothing.
- Check call ahead details. Store hours and donation days vary, so look up the current hours before you leave.
What to Look For in a Vintage Coach Bag
Since she found two vintage Coach bags, it may help to know what makes them a popular find. Coach began as a small leather goods company in New York in the 1940s and became known for sturdy, well made leather bags. Older bags are often made of thick leather that softens and develops character with age, which is part of the charm.
If you come across one at a thrift store, look at the leather first. Check the corners and the handles for cracking or heavy wear, and open the bag to see the lining and any stitching problems. Look for the creed patch or leather tag inside, which usually carries a style number and the place of manufacture. Compare that number against reputable listings online if you are unsure. Also look for sturdy hardware that works smoothly. Zippers and clasps can often be repaired, but heavy damage to the leather itself is harder to fix.
It also pays to be careful about authenticity. Thrift stores generally receive donations from many sources, and not every designer looking bag is real. Take your time, compare details and ask a trusted expert if you are spending real money.
The bigger lesson from her trip is that a favorite thrift store can be a destination in its own right. If you have a local spot you love, tell a friend, plan an afternoon and enjoy the hunt. You may find two bags in two minutes, or you may find nothing at all, but you will likely come home having supported a good cause.
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