Savers: A lesson in thrift-cycling

I had my first Savers shopping experience recently, and hallelujah! I'm a believer.

This chain is literally and figuratively the granddaddy of all thrift stores, with a 54-year history, a kickin' business model and beaucoup merchandise laid out really well in-store. (I'm assuming, of course, that the Daly City, CA location where I shopped is indicative of how Savers runs its other 200-plus stores, but that would seem to be a given.)

First, to the shopping. I walked out with two coats, a pair of pants and an old-school phone (so I'll have a functioning land line when the power goes out) for less than $25. This total was thanks in part to the monthly coupon in the Savers calendar, available for $1.99 or free with your purchase of $20 or more. I got an additional 20% off for bringing in a bag of stuff to donate, which is a great way for those of us whose itemized donations don't always add up to a tax break to get some sort of return for them. (The downside, according to my Savers-savvy friend, is seeing your old clothes on the sales racks on your next store visit and wanting to buy them back.)