Where to Find Pre-Owned Bargains and Help Those Less Fortunate

BY LEE ANN SANDWEISS

Bloomington’s bargain hunters regularly make the circuit of our area’s reliable resale emporia looking for everything from toys and trinkets to furniture and formal wear—and frequently score unexpected one-of-a-kind treasures. Here’s a quick guide to the nonprofit purveyors of deeply discounted goods.

Bloomington Thrift Shop

Operated by the Zeta Chapter of Psi Iota Xi philanthropic sorority since 1936, this shop raises funds for community service programs in Monroe County by selling quality donated items, especially trendy, professional, and formal women’s clothing; men’s and children’s clothing; small housewares; and jewelry. Second Saturdays, seniors (age 60+) get 50 percent off all wearables. Other specials and sales are announced on the shop’s Facebook page. 220 S. Madison St. Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.

Goodwill

Based on a program started in Boston in 1902, Goodwill was established in central and southern Indiana in 1930. The nonprofit now serves 39 Indiana counties and improves Hoosier lives through its education, employment, and health initiatives. Bloomington’s east- and west-side stores are troves of clothing, furniture, housewares, books, appliances, toys, and more. Specials include 50 percent off goods tagged with the color-of-the-week, and, on Wednesdays, seniors (age 55+) receive a 30 percent discount. Goodwill (East) 512 S. College Mall Road and Goodwill (West) 1284 Liberty Drive. Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Monroe County

ReStore sells donated new and like-new furniture, appliances, building materials, and housewares at 50–70 percent or more off retail prices, with proceeds applied to building safe and affordable homes in Monroe County. Inventory changes daily. Veterans and active military receive 15 percent discounts every day; seniors (age 55+) are eligible for 15 percent discounts on Wednesdays. 850 S. Auto Mall Road. Tuesday and Friday, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.

My Sister’s Closet                                                                                                                                          

Since opening in 1998, sales from this bargain boutique have helped more than 2,000 disadvantaged and at-risk women achieve economic independence through various programs. Stock includes professional, casual, and formal wear in women’s and junior sizes; shoes; accessories; jewelry; and holiday attire. The shop is scheduled to relocate in October 2019; visit its Facebook page to learn about upcoming special events to support their Relocation Fund. 414 S. College. Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Opportunity House                                                                                                                                          

Sales from this largely volunteer–run resale store have been benefitting the childcare programs of Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) for 50 years. Frequently rotated and replenished stock includes clothing (new, gently worn, and vintage), household items, toys, jewelry, books, records, luggage, antiques, collectibles, craft supplies, and individually tested electronics. Weekly sales are announced on the shop’s Facebook page. 907 W. 11th St. Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Salvation Army                                                                                                                                             

An international movement of the universal Christian Church since 1865, the Salvation Army works to improve the human condition by providing a wide range of social services including senior and youth care, food programs, and disaster relief. Its store offers modestly priced used clothing for men, women, and children; furniture; housewares; and live houseplants. 111 N. Rogers St. Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Vintage Vogue                                                                                                                                           

This boutique features upscale items that are curated from donations to Goodwill in south-central Indiana. Many designer labels, vintage clothing, mid-century home décor, accessories, and more. The first Saturday of each month there is a 50 percent off store-wide sale. 422 E. Kirkwood. Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.