As you well know, size matters. Owners of the aptly named Unique thrift store in Falls Church know it, which is why Unique is the largest thrift store in Northern Virginia.
Let me repeat that: it is a huge place. With more than 32 shekels, Unique has just about everything you could think of, including many new features. The staff is great and their shelves are constantly checked. Unique uses mostly South and Central American employees, which means that communication is not exactly easy, unless you happen to be fluent in Spanish. Which is usually not too inconvenient to prove, since both galleries are written in both English and Spanish and the articles can usually be found quite easily. The price is clearly stated on the tag, there are no special colored fabrics to confuse the buyer. Instead, Unique saves its sales for Mondays. In fact, every Monday the entire store is 25% off. They tout this as a customer appreciation day. As you can believe, this is also a festive day. Except for holidays, when every item jumps to 50%. In those times, the large parking lot overflows.
If the thought of thrift shopping freaks you out, I’ll let you in on a little secret: people are spoiled. While it’s an unfortunate fact that many Americans often buy more than they can or will wear, it’s all good for you, the savvy shopper. In fact, you’d be surprised at some of the things people take off because they’re too fat, too skinny, or too ill-equipped to make the necessary repairs. Once, I found a brand new Betsey Johnson Unique mini skirt, priced at $2.99 (retail $148). The only catch was that someone had hung it improperly, stretching the material slightly. Fortunately, the previous owner didn’t realize that he was going to wet the wing, and it would regain its original shape.
Another time, I found a Prada skirt for $2.29. He had a small “female” spot on his back. Fortunately, it was nothing that little hydrogen peroxide could not remove.
For you moms out there, you’ve definitely heard of Robeez. He only had a new pair of these shoes at the stall for $2.49. I guess you also know about the Maclaren strollers. Unique had two models: a search for $29.99 and a Volo for $9.99
Another time, Unique Oscar de la Renta had a long winter. Printed houndstooth, with leather jacket and buttons, in fantastic condition… It was incredible for $9.99.
I found several pairs of great pants, from Lucky, to Levi, to Seven.
For many people the thought of thrift seems inexplicable. Granted, some people can be pretty dirty, messy, and all around sad. Everyone is not. They are just as clean and tidy. The only drawback is that they don’t have dressing rooms. Whether you need to carry yourself or your baby, or just need some things around the house, Unique Thrift Store likely has what you need. , needs and can afford.
